The Zambian Premier League has released the fixtures for the 2026 Transition Season, with the campaign set to begin on 3 October and run through to January 2027.
The season will officially open with the Charity Shield on 19 September, when defending champions Power Dynamos face Red Arrows in a repeat of the country’s top-flight rivalry.
The Charity Shield date has been brought forward to accommodate the two clubs’ continental commitments and the subsequent international break.
The men’s international window runs from 21 September to 6 October, with Zambia beginning their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign away to Algeria before hosting Togo.
As a result, the opening league matches will not be played until 3 October.
Power Dynamos face tricky start
Power Dynamos, who will be defending their league title during the transition campaign, will begin their Stream A campaign away to Konkola Blades at Konkola Stadium on 3 October.
The defending champions will be hoping for a positive start before facing traditional rivals Nkana in the first Kitwe derby of the season on 31 October.
The much-anticipated derby will see Power Dynamos host Nkana in what is widely regarded as one of the biggest fixtures on the Zambian football calendar.
Stream A will also see newly promoted Trident FC begin their campaign at home against Nkana, while fellow newcomers Makeni All Stars welcome Kansanshi Dynamos.
NAPSA Stars will host FC MUZA, while Nchanga Rangers entertain ZANACO in the other opening-day fixtures.
Stream A – 3 October
- Konkola Blades vs Power Dynamos – Konkola Stadium
- NAPSA Stars vs FC MUZA – REIZ Arena
- Nchanga Rangers vs ZANACO – Nchanga Stadium
- Trident FC vs Nkana – Sentinel Ground
- Makeni All Stars vs Kansanshi Dynamos – REIZ Arena
Newly promoted sides face tough assignments
In Stream B, promoted Roan United face an away trip to Nkwazi, while Chirundu United begin their campaign against Green Buffaloes at Sunset Stadium.
Kabwe Warriors will host ZESCO United at Railways Stadium, while Mufulira Wanderers entertain Green Eagles at Shinde Stadium.
Mutondo Stars will also be at home when they welcome reigning Charity Shield opponents Red Arrows to Kafubu Stadium.
Stream B – 3 October
- Kabwe Warriors vs ZESCO United – Railways Stadium
- Mufulira Wanderers vs Green Eagles – Shinde Stadium
- Nkwazi vs Roan United – Edwin Imboela Stadium
- Mutondo Stars vs Red Arrows – Kafubu Stadium
- Green Buffaloes vs Chirundu United – Sunset Stadium
ZFA Cup introduced
The transition season will also feature the inaugural Zambia Football Association Challenge Cup (ZFA Cup), a national knockout competition involving ZPL clubs and qualifying teams from FAZ provincial competitions.
The tournament is intended to give clubs from across the country a wider national platform and serve as a foundation for an expanded national competition from the following season.
ZPL broadcast partner TopStar will televise selected league matches live, meaning some fixtures could be moved to accommodate television scheduling.
The league has said any changes will be communicated to stakeholders in advance.
With the Charity Shield already set for September and the league opening in October, the 2026 Transition Season promises a unique campaign as Zambian football prepares for a return to a more traditional structure in 2027.
