Mozambique league kick-off date announced amid changes

After missing two kick-off dates due to financial challenges, a latest schedule for 2026 Mozambique’s Moçambola League has been announced amid changes.

The Mozambican Football League (MFL) has announced that the 14-member league will get underway on 1 May 2026 with away teams now to play two games to cut costs, according to opais.co.mz.

Moçambola has faced severe operational challenges emanating from unsustainable club debts and logistical challenges due to the long distances between provinces which make it difficult for clubs to travel by road to fulfil fixtures.

To address the logistical challenges, MFL and national flag carrier Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LMA) have entered into an agreement to fly the clubs which has since been given Club Licensing pre-conditions to fulfil.

The league’s president Alberto Simango Júnior is quoted as having confirmed the agreement and the new schedule for the 2026 season. The league was initially supposed to kick off on 28 March then it was shifted to 4 April.

The delays were due to LMA and MFL lengthy discussions on the cost of the partnership ranging from 118 million to 236 million meticais.

“The talks are evolving and we believe in an outcome that makes the championship viable. More important than meeting dates is ensuring that the race runs without interruptions,” Simango Júnior is quoted saying.

Know changes made to Moçambola league

Among other changes, a travelling team will now be playing two or more opponents from the same province on a particular weekend to reduce air ticket costs.

Teams have until April 22, 2026, deadline to pay a registration fee pegged at 150,000.00 MT, upon presentation of proof of clean account. Therefore, each team can only be registered after clearing all debts.

Giants such as defending champions União Desportiva do Songo and Costa do Sol are among the clubs that have struggled to comply with the regulations.

The changes have been made in the wake of the crisis experienced last season when Moçambola ended abruptly with three rounds of games remaining due to lack of funds.

Meanwhile, a draw for the Moçambola 2026 will takes place this Saturday in Maputo on the sidelines of MFL general assembly.

Confirmed Moçambola participating clubs

Southern zone

Black Bulls, Costa do Sol, Ferroviário de Maputo, Maxaquene, Associação Desportiva de Vilankulo

Central Zone

União Desportiva de Songo, Chingale de Tete, Ferroviário da Beira, Liga Desportiva de Sofala

Northern Zone

Ferroviário de Nampula, Ferroviário de Nacala, Ferroviário de Lichinga, Baía de Pemba and Associação Desportiva de Pemba.