Power Dynamos and Red Arrows head separate groups in transitional competition set to begin in September.
The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has confirmed the format for the 2026 Transition League, unveiling a temporary competition that will bridge the country’s shift to a new football calendar.
The transitional competition is scheduled to begin on 12 September 2026 and conclude in December 2026, marking a significant step in the restructuring of domestic football.
In the headline change, the MTN Super League will be divided into two separate streams, with clubs allocated according to their final positions in the 2025/26 league standings. Teams finishing in odd-numbered positions will form one stream, while those in even-numbered positions will compete in the other.
The Odd Positions Stream comprises reigning league champions Power Dynamos, FC MUZA, Nchanga Rangers, ZANACO FC, Konkola Blades, Kansanshi Dynamos, Nkana FC, NAPSA Stars, FC Leopards, Makeni All Stars and Trident FC.
The Even Positions Stream features ABSA Cup winners Red Arrows, Kabwe Warriors, Green Eagles, Mufulira Wanderers, ZESCO United, Green Buffaloes, Nkwazi FC, Mutondo Stars, Chirundu United and Roan United.
The ZPL said the format is designed to facilitate the transition to the new football calendar while maintaining competitive action before the start of the full 2027 season.
Changes have also been introduced across the ZPL leagues.
For the duration of the Transition League, the Women’s Super League, Men’s National League and Women’s National League will all be played on a regional basis, split into Northern and Southern sections.
Once the transition competition concludes, the Men’s National League and Women’s Super League will return to their traditional nationwide formats for the start of the 2027 season. The Women’s National League, however, will continue to operate on a regional basis.
The restructuring was approved by the ZPL Board during its meeting on 24 July 2026, with the league describing the measures as part of the broader implementation of the new football calendar.
Fixtures for the Transition League will be released at a later date.
In a statement, the ZPL thanked clubs, supporters and stakeholders for their continued cooperation during the transition, reaffirming its commitment to delivering a competitive and professionally managed football season.
