The Zambian Premier League has confirmed a major change in how Zambian clubs will qualify for continental competitions, with the winners of the ABSA Cup now guaranteed a place in the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026-27 season.
Previously, the league runners-up claimed the Confederation Cup berth, but the new directive puts the focus squarely on cup success. According to ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe, “The MTN Super League Champions (2025/26 Season) shall represent Zambia in the CAF Champions League. The ABSA Cup Winners (2025/26 Season) shall represent Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup.”
He added a scenario for double winners, stating: “In the event that one club wins both the MTN Super League title and the ABSA Cup in the 2025/26 season, the ABSA Cup runners-up shall qualify to represent Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026/27 season.”
ABSA Cup restored to continental significance
The shift restores the ABSA Cup to a central role in Zambia’s football calendar. No longer a secondary route, the knockout tournament now offers the most realistic pathway to CAF competition for clubs that might not sustain a league title challenge.
Seven MTN Super League sides — ZESCO United, Power Dynamos FC, Red Arrows FC, Kabwe Warriors FC, Nchanga Rangers FC, Mufulira Wanderers FC, and ZANACO FC — will enter the ABSA Cup draw at the main stage, receiving byes from the preliminary round.
Chimpampwe emphasized that continental participation requires more than results on the pitch: “All clubs are reminded that participation remains subject to full compliance with CAF Club Licensing Regulations and the applicable licensing framework administered by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), including but not limited to sporting, infrastructure, personnel and administrative, legal, and financial criteria.”
Strategic implications for clubs
The change introduces new dynamics for Zambia’s domestic season. Clubs must now balance league ambitions with a potentially all-in approach to the ABSA Cup. Success in one knockout tournament could unlock the lucrative rewards of continental football — including CAF Champions League exposure, matchday revenue, and sponsorship opportunities.
As the Super League title race intensifies, the ABSA Cup has emerged as more than just a domestic trophy. In Chimpampwe’s words, “Clubs are advised to take note of the above and align their sporting and administrative planning accordingly.”
