The MTN Super League returns this afternoon with Matchweek 16 delivering a compelling mix of title ambition, relegation anxiety and personal storylines across the country.
With continental commitments keeping ZESCO United and Power Dynamos out of domestic action, the door has been left ajar at both ends of the table. For some, it is a chance to close gaps and apply pressure; for others, it is an opportunity to breathe life into seasons that have threatened to drift away.
Red Arrows will be looking to reduce Power Dynamos’ lead at the summit to just a point while Kansanshi Dynamos will be hoping to continue from where they left off last weekend when they welcome stubborn Nkwazi.
Struggling Nkana are away to FC MUZA who gave away a two goal lead last weekend to settle for a draw.
NAPSA Stars welcome Konkola Blades at Reiz Arena as the Sipho Mumbi coached side eye a third straight win.
In Kabwe the bottom two teams, Mines United and Mutondo Stars face off in an epic clash at Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium.
Arrows Aim to Capitalise as Wanderers Stand in the Way
At Nkoloma Stadium, Red Arrows know exactly what is at stake when they welcome Mufulira Wanderers. The Airmen, second on the log with 31 points, can slash Power Dynamos’ lead at the summit to just one point with victory.
Yet history is not on their side. Arrows are winless in their last five meetings with Wanderers, losing three and drawing two, with their last victory over the nine-time champions dating back to 2019. Coming off successive defeats to ZESCO United and Green Eagles, the Airmen are desperate to rediscover momentum after seeing their 16-match unbeaten run snapped.
Wanderers arrive wounded but dangerous, fresh from a narrow loss to Power Dynamos and beginning life without captain Collins Makungu, who has departed for ZANACO. Key men Patson Kwataime, Bartuel Tembo and Owen Mwamba will be tasked with spoiling Arrows’ title push, while the hosts lean on the quality of Albert Kangwanda, Joseph Phiri, Alassane Diarra and Angel Lubamba.
New Era for Leopards as Buffaloes Host Transitional Clash
In Lusaka, Green Buffaloes host FC Leopards at Edwin Imboela Stadium in a fixture heavy with consequence for the visitors.
Sunday Sichimata begins his tenure as interim head coach of Leopards following the dismissal of Justin Chinama, inheriting a side with just one win from 15 matches and sitting 16th with 12 points. Matters are complicated further by the suspension of striker Emmanuel Chabula, sent off in the heavy defeat to Kansanshi Dynamos.
Buffaloes, 11th with 18 points from 14 games, will see this as a chance to consolidate. With Bornwell Mwape leading the line, creativity supplied by Clement Mulenga and John Mulenga, and Monga Chilimba marshalling the defence, the hosts carry clear favourites’ status — but Leopards’ need is urgent, and desperation often sharpens resolve.
Fine Margins in Solwezi as Kansanshi Welcome ‘Dangerous’ Nkwazi
At Independence Stadium, Kansanshi Dynamos and Nkwazi FC meet locked together on 14 points, separated only by goal difference, in one of the weekend’s most evenly poised contests.
The Mabanga Boys return home buoyed by victory over FC Leopards and are led on the touchline by Acting Head Coach Dennis Makinka, with Fathi Mohammed Fathi away on CAF Pro Licence duty. Makinka has warned against complacency, praising Nkwazi’s unity and resilience while expressing confidence in his side’s preparation.
The fixture carries personal significance for Makinka against his former club, but focus remains firmly on points. Nkwazi arrive encouraged by a dramatic 2–2 comeback draw against FC MUZA and boosted by the return of skipper Derrick Mwansa. Coach Masauso Tembo has described his team as “dangerous” once settled, with Christopher Zulu, Bernard Kumwenda and Lameck Banda expected to lead the charge.
History suggests little between the sides, with numerous draws and narrow margins over recent seasons — a trend that could well continue.
Survival Six-Pointer in Kabwe
At Godfrey Chitalu Stadium, survival takes centre stage as Mines United host Mutondo Stars in a bottom-of-the-table showdown.
Mines prop up the log with eight points, while Mutondo sit just above them in 17th with 11. Both sides are win-starved — Mutondo winless in nine, Mines with just one victory in the same stretch — but the stakes could not be clearer. Victory here could redefine belief; defeat could deepen the sense of inevitability.
MUZA and Nkana Renew Growing Rivalry
In Mazabuka, FC MUZA welcome Nkana to Nakambala Stadium in a fixture brimming with confidence on both sides.
MUZA coach Nowell Phiri insists his side is ready, having taken lessons from a 2–2 draw with Nkwazi, while vice-captain Biston Banda has labelled the match “must-win” as the Elegant Dynamites chase ABSA Cup qualification. Fifth on the log with 24 points, MUZA are unbeaten in five and will draw belief from a stunning 5–2 home victory over Nkana in their last meeting at Nakambala.
Nkana, unbeaten in their own last five, boast the stronger historical record, winning four of the last eight encounters. The balance between MUZA’s ambition and Nkana’s pedigree sets the stage for a compelling duel.
Consistency the Watchword for Revived NAPSA Stars
At REIZ Arena, NAPSA Stars aim for a third consecutive win when they host Konkola Blades in a tight mid-table contest.
Victories over Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO have lifted NAPSA clear of immediate danger, but coach Sipho Mumbi has warned that consistency remains essential with relegation fears still close. With Augustine Mulenga, Kenneth Kasanga, Evans Kayombo and Simon Nkhata key to their ambitions, NAPSA will look to seize home advantage.
Blades, 10th with 18 points — level with NAPSA — arrive with threats of their own in Benjamin Saeli, Stephen Mutama, Clive Bayeta and Victor Mubanga, promising a finely balanced encounter.
Top-Four Clash in Chingola
The weekend’s action is rounded off in Chingola where Nchanga Rangers host ZANACO FC in a heavyweight clash between fourth and third on the log respectively.
ZANACO will be without Wilson Chisala, currently in Israel, but could hand debuts to Sama Luzeka and Collins Makungu. Rangers, meanwhile, will lean on the prolific Christopher Itaka, with assistant coach Israel Mwanza underlining the importance of home support in what he expects to be a fierce and decisive contest.
