From a title showdown in Lusaka as Makeni All Stars welcome Roan United to relegation six-pointers in Mpulungu, Week 21 could reshape the ZPL National League season.
The ZPL Men’s National League enters a defining phase this weekend as Week 21 delivers a packed schedule featuring a title showdown, promotion clashes, and high-stakes relegation battles across the country.
League leaders Makeni All Stars host closest challengers Roan United, while top-six hopefuls and survival contenders face matches that could determine the direction of their 2025/26 campaigns.
Forest Rangers vs Locus FC
Saturday, January 31 | 15h00 | Dola Hill, Ndola
Forest Rangers will look to consolidate their place in the top six of the ZPL National League when they welcome Locus FC to Dola Hill.
The Ndola-based side won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season and sit sixth with 32 points from 20 matches. Their defensive organisation has been key, conceding just 13 goals so far.
Locus FC, meanwhile, are under pressure in 16th place with 17 points. All eyes will be on Forest Rangers’ new signing Nicholas Chipoya, the league’s top scorer, who could play a decisive role against one of the division’s most vulnerable defences.
Jumulo FC vs Ndola United
Saturday, January 31 | 15h00 | Baluba Stadium, Luanshya
A crucial relegation battle unfolds in Luanshya as Jumulo FC host Ndola United with just one point separating the sides.
Ndola United are 14th with 19 points, while Jumulo sit 15th on 18. Their only previous meeting ended in a draw, and both teams have struggled to turn draws into wins in recent weeks.
With the relegation zone tightening, three points here could prove vital in the race for survival.
Kafue Celtics vs Chirundu United
Saturday, January 31 | 15h00 | Crocs Swamp, Lusaka
One of the standout fixtures of Week 21 sees promotion contenders Kafue Celtics face Chirundu United in a top-five clash.
Kafue Celtics are third on 37 points, while Chirundu United trail by just one point with a game in hand. Chirundu won the reverse fixture 2-0, but the hosts arrive in strong form after winning four of their last five matches.
Key figures such as Jonathan Kalimina, Mulenga Chiluba, Charles Kampamba, and Samson Ngulube will be central as Kafue Celtics aim to strengthen their promotion push.
Kitwe United vs Aguila Stars
Saturday, January 31 | 15h00 | Garden Park, Kitwe
Aguila Stars will be confident of extending their dominance over Kitwe United when the two sides meet at Garden Park.
Aguila Stars are unbeaten in four meetings with Kitwe United and have won the last two league encounters convincingly. They sit eighth with 27 points, while Kitwe United are 13th and searching for form.
With experienced players such as Chisamba Lungu, Keke Sipuka, Julius Kumwenda, and Samson Malaya, Aguila Stars will look to control proceedings against a struggling home side.
Mpulungu Harbour vs Indeni FC
Saturday, January 31 | 15h00 | Muzabwera Stadium, Mpulungu
Survival is the clear focus as Mpulungu Harbour and Indeni FC meet in a relegation six-pointer.
Both teams are winless in their last five matches. Mpulungu Harbour sit 17th with 14 points, while Indeni will rely on top scorer Jonathan Munalula, who has netted eight goals this season.
Indeni head coach Benson Chambeshi has emphasised preparation, squad competition, and focus as his side look to secure a crucial away result.
River Plate vs Chipata City Council FC
Saturday, January 31 | 15h00 | Independence Stadium, Lusaka
Bottom-placed River Plate face Chipata City Council FC as they attempt to revive a difficult campaign.
River Plate remain 18th with 13 points, while Chipata City Council sit 11th and won the reverse fixture earlier this season. The hosts will once again depend on midfielder Aaron ‘Pogba’ Nkhoma to inspire a turnaround.
Failure to collect points would deepen River Plate’s relegation worries.
Trident FC vs Chambishi FC
Saturday, January 31 | 15h00 | Sentinel Ground, Kalumbila
Fourth-placed Trident FC will aim to maintain their upward momentum when they host Chambishi FC.
Trident have won both previous meetings with Chambishi and come into the fixture after consecutive league victories. Head coach Kebby Hachipuka has highlighted defensive solidity, competition for places, and high morale as key to their recent improvement.
Chambishi, currently 10th, continues to show signs of progress under new leadership.
Makeni All Stars vs Roan United
Sunday, February 1 | 15h00 | REIZ Arena, Lusaka
The weekend concludes with a title-defining clash as league leaders Makeni All Stars face second-placed Roan United.
Makeni lead the table with 43 points from 20 matches, while Roan United are six points behind with a game in hand and won the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Makeni’s challenge will once again be led by top scorer Mike Musukuma, while Roan United, under Satchmo Chikawa, will rely on organisation and collective discipline as they attempt to close the gap at the summit.
