Zambia: FAZ announces Play-off to Fill Vacant Spot in National Division

Zambia: Following an executive committee meeting held on Saturday, August 12, in Ndola, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has decided that the vacant spot left by demoted Buildcon in the National Division One will be settled through a play-off.

Buildcon was demoted to the Copperbelt provincial league following multiple breaches of FIFA and FAZ Statutes around player transfers and remuneration.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says the executive committee, after lengthy deliberations, decided that Chipata United, who narrowly missed promotion during the national play-offs, will tussle with Livingstone Pirates, who were the best placed side among the relegated teams.

“The FAZ executive committee has provided the fairest way of settling the matter around Buildcon and ruled that the play-off between the two most bonafide candidates would be the best way of resolving this matter,” Kamanga says.

“The play-off will be held in Lusaka on Saturday this week in a winner takes all contest. We urge the two teams to observe fair play during this contested affair.”

Kamanga reiterated that everything was now in place for the 2023/24 MTN Super League season after a hugely successful Carling Black Label Samuel Zoom Ndhlovu Charity Shield.

“All is set for the 2023/24 season with everything in place to ensure a better managed season that the previous one. We have been engaging the clubs on the importance of stadium safety and crowd control mechanisms,” he says.

The MTN Super League kicks off this weekend after a successful Charity Shield match that saw Absa Cup champions Forest Rangers beat CAF Champions League envoys Power Dynamos 3-1.