The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has referred the two incidents that happened during week 32 of the MTN Super League to the FAZ Disciplinary Committee. ZPL has urged the clubs to take greater responsibility in managing their players, officials and supporters and enhancing matchday security. Kabwe Warriors players confronted the first assistant after their goal was ruled out for offside and looked to have gotten physical in their approach in the video that’s circulating online. Meanwhile, suspected Nkana fans uprooted over 500 seats at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as chaos erupted after a penalty was awarded to Power Dynamos after a foul on Prince Mumba in the Kitwe derby. “The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has taken note of the incidents that occurred during the Week 32 fixtures between NAPSA Stars and Kabwe Warriors at REIZ Arena, and Nkana vs Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. In line with set guidelines the matters shall be referred to the FAZ Disciplinary Committee for due determination of the cases. We urge all clubs to take greater responsibility in managing their players, officials and supporters and enhancing matchday security. The ZPL remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all. Football should be a family-friendly experience where fans of all ages feel safe and welcome. Acts of violence not only disrupt this atmosphere but also undermine the spirit of the game.” The Statement went on; Likewise all fans are also urged to respect the game, support their teams peacefully, and report any misconduct to the appropriate authorities.” The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) on the other hand has hinted on harsh punishment for the perpetrators of the chaos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium that caused damage to the stadium. “We sign off on a disturbing note following ugly scenes at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium where some hooligans masquerading as fans ripped off seats in protest of a penalty given to Power Dynamos against Nkana. The match ended 1-1. With the game being the most popular and biggest advert of our league, there could not have been a worse portrayal of our football. We are barely hanging on to one FIFA approved stadium and cannot afford such levels of barbarism. While it is too early to provide a conclusive picture of what measures will be taken, I can definitely confirm that this behaviour will be heavily punished.” Meanwhile Nkana Football Club whose fans have been figured as the major culprit in Sunday’s chaos has offered to replace the seats damaged during the derby. “While we may not agree with the referee’s decision, we respect the game and the spirit of sportsmanship. We deeply regret the actions of some individuals that led to the damage of property. As a club, we stand for integrity and respect, and we are committed to making amends,” Club President, Eng. Joseph Silwimba said. “We would like to offer our sincere apologies to the stadium management and we will take steps to replace the damaged seats.”
Zambia Women’s National Team midfielder Ireen Lungu has joined the Copper Queens training camp in Lusaka ahead of the upcoming FIFA international friendly matches against Botswana and South Africa. Lungu, who plies her trade with Sichuan in the Chinese Women’s Super League, becomes the latest foreign-based player to report for national duty following the earlier arrivals of Turkey-based defenders Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba and China domiciled winger Xiomara Mapepa. The quartet has boosted Coach Nora Häuptle’s preparations as Zambia gears up for two high-profile friendlies that form part of the build-up to the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled for 5–26 July 2025 in Morocco. More foreign-based players including USA-based Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya and Racheal Kundananji are expected to join camp after the weekend’s club commitments. By FAZ Media
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda made history on Saturday morning as she netted a hat-trick to become first Orlando Pride player to do so in the club’s history – 10 Seasons in the NWSL. Banda also ended her three match goal drought with the historical treble and all in just 32 minutes in the first half of the match. It finally happened, and it had to be the Zambian international to make history as she has become an important player since her switch from Shanghai Shengli. After 10 seasons of having multiple two-goal matches for players, Banda finally netted the first-ever hat trick in Orlando Pride history. Oh, and she did it all in the first half in their game versus the Utah Royals. Banda got on the board early thanks to a ball from Ally Watt in the sixth minute slotting home from close range inside the box. Brecken Mozingo pulled Utah level eight minutes later. Banda got her second after some hustle on a backwards pass by the Royals, using her pace nicely to go past the defense and the goalkeeper before slotting home with ease in the 37th minute to put the Pride back in the lead. Banda then netted the third after a great long ball from Haley McCutcheon beating the Utah Royals goalkeeper at the near post. Banda was withdrawn in the 72nd minute by coach Seb Hines and replaced with Brazilian legend Marta. The Pride held on to win the match 3-1 despite a late charge from the hosts. Compatriot Prisca Chilufya was an unused substitute while Grace Chanda did not make the match day squad. The win takes the Pride to second place with 19 points after 10 games, two behind log leaders, Kansas City Current. Banda has shot to the summit of the goalscorer chart with seven goals tied with Spanish forward Esther Gonzalez.
Atletico Lusaka duo of Abel Salim Nyirongo and Chileleko Mweemba are currently attending trials with Serie A side Cagliari FC, the Club has confirmed . The duo has since linked up with former Atletico Lusaka teammate,Joseph Liteta who is currently with Cagliari Calcio Youth. Atletico Lusaka and Cagliari Calcio enjoy a good working relationship with Liteta joining the club in August 2024 from Atletico Lusaka. He is on the books of the Youth side (Cagliari Calcio U20) where he has played 29 games the just ended season with a goal and an assist to his name. Meanwhile striker Kingston Mutandwa joined Cagliari Calcio back in July 2024 from the Bad Boys and is on contract with the senior side until June 2028. Mweemba and Nyirongo will look to impress the Italian side’s coaching staff to join the alley of Zambian players based abroad. Abel Salim Nyirongo has proven to be lethal in front of goal scoring on his MTN Super League debut in December last year becoming one of the youngest players to score in the Elite Zambian league. Nyirongo is also the Zambia U20 first choice striker. He helped the Ian Bakala coached side win COSAFA, qualify to AFCON where they also booked a place in the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup. Nyirongo scored twice in the COSAFA U17 Championship final including a 90th minute winner to seal the win and claim the tournament’s Golden Boot with seven goals.