Five provincial champions will earn automatic promotion to the 2026-27 ZPL National Division One League, while a sixth team will have one final opportunity to secure promotion through a playoff under a newly introduced qualification format unveiled by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
On Friday, during the draws, FAZ Deputy General Secretary Iva Mumba Lengwe said the top five teams from the playoffs would gain direct promotion to the National Division One League, while the sixth-placed team will face River Plate, the first relegated side from the National Division One League, in a promotion-relegation playoff.
Lengwe said the format follows the FAZ Council’s decision to expand the National Division One League from 18 to 20 teams, creating more opportunities for clubs to progress into professional football.
“This year’s playoffs carry even greater significance following the decision by the FAZ Council to increase the number of teams in the National Division One League from 18 to 20 teams,” he said.
“As a result, six teams will now have an opportunity to qualify for the National Division One League. Five teams from these playoffs will gain automatic promotion, while the sixth-placed team will compete in a playoff against the first demotion-marked team from the National Division One League“
“This structure is consistent with international best practices in football administration and league management, where promotion and relegation playoff systems are used to enhance competitiveness, fairness, and sporting merit.”
The playoffs will run from June 22 to 26 at Miller Ground and Police College Ground in Lusaka.
Group A comprises Mpande Youth Academy, Forest Myoooye, Barotse Crocs, Solwezi Mushitala and Play It Forward. Group B features Zambezi Portland, Real Nakonde, Mathkat FC, Nampundwe and Mika FC.
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