Zambia change league calendar to August, increases teams

The Football Association of Zambia Council has voted overwhelmingly to change football calendar from the May to August cycle to the March to November cycle.

Following a recommendation from the executive committee, the council deliberated on the matter before putting it to a vote.

Among the proponents of the motion were Mweshi Mupeta from Kansanshi Dynamos who buttressed his submission with his team’s experience over league fixture with Green Eagles which was played over two days due to a heavy downpour.

A Lumwana Radiants backed the proposal through Jonathan Mapipo. Others who supported the motion were Joel Kabika from Muza FC, Mwila Mumba from Mufulira Wanderers and Emmanuel Simbeye from Nchanga Rangers.

Dynamos, Red Arrows countered motion

Mwiza Maseko from Jumulo cautioned the house that the support should not make the clubs relent in working on infrastructure.

Power Dynamos through James Sakala and Red Arrows through colonel Kambani Lungu countered the motion saying the change would disadvantage Zambian teams participating in CAF games.

Sakala said the change of calendar needed to be aligned with the international transfer window while Colonel Lungu cautioned that the change of calendar would make it difficult for CAF envoys to play friendly games with international clubs.

After intense deliberation, the matter was put to a vote with the members voting overwhelmingly to change the calendar.

Super League teams increased to 20

Meanwhile, FAZ Council resolved to increase the number of Super League teams from 18 to 20 effective next season as proposed by the Executive Committee.

In supporting the motion, Northern Province Committee David Mbulo said the provincial teams supported the motion as it gave them hope of one day having representation in the top level.

Mutondo Stars’ Stanely Kaseko submitted that increasing the teams to 20 would give the teams the advantage of playing more games. Prison Leopards representative a Mr Nsondo said the increase of teams would increase gate takings for teams.

Jumulo’s Mwiza Maseko opposed the increase saying it would reduce the competitiveness of the league. Maseko noted that the burden for self-sponsored teams would be heavier with more fixtures to play for teams.

In countering the submission, Zanaco Chief Executive Officer Owen Chimpinde submitted that the increase in the number of teams would reduce the competitiveness of the league.

Kafue Celtic’s Eric Mwanampwaya urged that the matter of fair officiating be taken into account as the clubs would spend more on increased fixtures.