The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) have officially launched the KCM–ZFA Men’s and Women’s Cups, introducing two new national competitions aimed at strengthening domestic football and providing opportunities for emerging talent.
The launch took place at KCM headquarters in Chingola, with FAZ president Keith Mweemba describing the initiative as an important milestone in the development of Zambian football.
The inaugural 2026 edition of the men’s competition will feature 32 teams drawn from the MTN Super League, National League and provincial divisions, with the tournament set to be played across 31 matches in five rounds.
For the first time, a dedicated national cup competition for women’s football will also be introduced under the same sponsorship, reflecting FAZ’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and creating equal opportunities in the game.
“We are launching not just one competition, but two: the KCM–ZFA Men’s Cup and the KCM–ZFA Women’s Cup. This is an important statement of our commitment to inclusive football development and equal opportunities,” Mweemba said.
The FAZ president revealed that the competitions were part of his vision for expanding opportunities for clubs and addressing the gap in the domestic women’s football calendar.
While the inaugural edition will operate within the limitations of the transitional football calendar, Mweemba said the ambition was to establish both tournaments as permanent and prestigious features of the Zambian football calendar.
KCM Deputy Chief Executive Officer Satish Kumar said the mining company had committed US$1.6 million towards supporting Zambian football in 2026, covering its partnership with FAZ and support for the senior national teams, the Chipolopolo and Copper Queens.
He described the KCM–ZFA Cup as a significant investment in grassroots football, providing a competitive platform for emerging players, particularly those competing in lower divisions and community leagues.
“The competition represents a significant investment in grassroots football and is designed to provide a competitive platform for emerging talent across the country,” Kumar said.
He added that the tournament was intended to create pathways for young footballers to showcase their abilities, gain competitive experience and access opportunities to advance their careers.
The partnership builds on KCM’s longstanding involvement in Zambian football, with the company having previously supported domestic football structures and national team programmes.
Both competitions are expected to strengthen the domestic game by widening the competitive landscape, while giving clubs and players beyond the top flight an opportunity to compete for national honours.
The launch also reinforces the importance of private-sector partnerships in supporting football development, with FAZ and KCM expressing their ambition to make the competitions lasting additions to the Zambian football calendar.
