The ZPL Men’s National League enters Week 23 with the title race, promotion chase and relegation battle all delicately poised, setting the stage for an action-packed weekend of football across the country.
Log leaders Makeni All Stars headline Sunday’s fixtures as they welcome stubborn Lumwana Radiants, while promotion hopefuls Roan United and Trident face tricky assignments against Aguila Stars and relegation-threatened Jumulo respectively. At the other end of the table, the clash between River Plate and Ndola United could have a decisive impact on the relegation fight.
Chirundu target top spot as Atletico seek upset
On Saturday afternoon, Atletico Lusaka host second-placed Chirundu United at Nkoloma Stadium. Chirundu arrive in Lusaka knowing victory could pile pressure on the league leaders, while Atletico will be eager to upset one of the division’s most consistent sides. Raymond Mwiinga and Edmond Lungu Banda, who have combined for 15 goals this season, will be key for the hosts as they look to improve on their recent run of draws.
Forest Rangers chase promotion push in Ndola
At Dola Hill Stadium, Forest Rangers welcome Chipata City Council with promotion firmly in their sights. Fole Malembe sit inside the top six and will rely on leading scorer Nicholas Chipoya as they look to exploit Chipata’s recent struggles and close the gap on the top four.
Kafue Celtic aim to stay in the hunt
At Crocs Swamp, Kafue Celtic face Chambishi in a fixture that could further shape the promotion race. Celtic have been quietly consistent and will lean on the creativity of Mulenga Chiluba, Charles Kampamba and Zambia U17 captain Jonathan Kalimina as they chase maximum points.
Survival battle in Kitwe and Mpulungu
Down the table, Kitwe United host Indeni FC at Garden Park desperate to halt a worrying run of defeats. Indeni, led by goal threats Logic Ching’andu and Jonathan Munalula, will sense an opportunity to pull further clear of danger.
Meanwhile, Mpulungu Harbour face Locus at Muzabwera Stadium in a meeting of two sides fighting for survival, with both teams desperate for points to revive their campaigns.
Roan, Trident eye promotion momentum
In Luanshya, fourth-placed Roan United entertain Aguila Stars at Kafubu Stadium. Roan’s consistency has kept them firmly in the promotion picture, but Aguila’s ability to frustrate bigger sides makes this a potential banana skin.
Over in Kalumbila, third-placed Trident host Jumulo, knowing that anything less than victory could dent their promotion ambitions. Trident’s solid defensive record and recent unbeaten run make them favourites, but Jumulo’s need for points in the relegation fight adds extra tension.
Sunday spotlight on Makeni and relegation six-pointer
Sunday’s action sees leaders Makeni All Stars welcome Lumwana Radiants at REIZ Arena. Makeni will be keen to return to winning ways and extend their advantage at the summit, with striker Mike Musukuma expected to spearhead the attack. Lumwana, marshalled by captain Richard Zulu, will hope to spring a surprise and boost their top-half push.
The weekend concludes with a high-stakes relegation encounter as River Plate, second from bottom, face Ndola United at Independence Stadium. With only a few points separating the lower half of the table, defeat for either side could see them dragged deeper into danger.
