The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has confirmed a change to the qualification process for the 2027 ABSA Cup, with clubs’ final league positions set to determine who makes the cut.
Unlike previous seasons, when qualification was based on standings at the halfway stage of the league campaign, the 2027 ABSA Cup places will be determined by the final standings of the 2026 Transition Season.
The ABSA Cup will be played during the first half of the 2027 season, with the new qualification system ensuring clubs must maintain their league position until the conclusion of the Transition Season to secure a place in the competition.
The change adds significance to the final rounds of the campaign, as clubs will be competing not only for the Transition Season title and continental football, but also for ABSA Cup qualification.
Red Arrows are the reigning ABSA Cup champions after beating MTN Super League winners Power Dynamos 2-0 in the final at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on 10 May.
The victory earned Red Arrows K1.1 million, while Power Dynamos received K450,000 as runners-up.
Joseph Phiri was named Player of the Match and received K15,000, while Kalumba claimed the Golden Glove award and a K25,000 prize.
Albert Kangwanda, who has since joined Tanzanian giants Young Africans, won both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards.
The new qualification system comes as the ZPL prepares for the 2026 Transition Season, a shortened campaign designed to help align Zambia’s domestic football calendar with the new structure.
The season runs from 26 September to 31 January, with the MTN Super League beginning on 3 October.
The 20 teams will be divided into two streams of 10, with each side playing 18 matches. The winners of the two streams will meet in a Championship Match on 31 January to determine the Transition Season champion.
The ZPL says using final standings for ABSA Cup qualification will ensure league matches remain meaningful and competitive through to the end of the campaign.
