The Zambian Premier League has officially confirmed the forfeiture of fixtures involving Mpulungu Harbour, a development that has significantly altered the complexion of the 2025/26 National League standings.
In a statement issued by the league, five clubs —Ndola United, Aguila Stars, Roan United, Lumwana Radiants and Locus FC— have each been awarded three points and a standard 3–0 victory following Mpulungu Harbour’s failure to honour their fixtures.
The decision, which takes immediate effect, has already been reflected in the updated league table, further compounding Mpulungu Harbour’s struggles at the foot of the standings. The lakeside outfit now sit bottom of the log, their season increasingly overshadowed by off-the-pitch challenges rather than on-field performance.
Financial strain behind forfeitures
Sources close to the club have indicated that persistent financial difficulties lie at the heart of Mpulungu Harbour’s inability to fulfil fixtures. Logistical constraints, including travel and operational costs, are understood to have crippled the club’s campaign, ultimately forcing league authorities to invoke forfeiture rules in line with competition regulations.
Club slot officially up for sale
In a dramatic turn of events, Mpulungu Harbour have since confirmed that their National League slot has been placed on the market. In an official notice dated January 19, issued by club president Racheal Nankonde, the club announced its intention to sell the slot to interested parties.
The statement invited “clubs, investors, or institutions” to formally express interest, with engagements to be conducted in accordance with the Football Association of Zambia regulations. The club emphasised that only serious inquiries would be considered, signalling a possible end to Mpulungu Harbour’s short-lived stay in the National League.
Wider implications for the National League
The forfeitures have had ripple effects across the league, boosting promotion and mid-table ambitions for beneficiary clubs while raising renewed concerns about financial sustainability among lower-tier sides. With the season entering a decisive phase, the league now faces the delicate task of safeguarding competition integrity while ensuring compliance with its statutes.
As the situation unfolds, attention will turn to whether Mpulungu Harbour’s slot attracts a buyer in time — or whether the club’s struggles serve as another cautionary tale in Zambian football’s ongoing battle with funding and infrastructure challenges.
