The draws for the 2023 ABSA Cup were conducted on Wednesday morning at the ABSA house in Lusaka.
During the event, headline sponsors ABSA Bank Zambia announced that they have increased the tournament’s sponsorship package to K4,400,000.
Managing director Mizinga Melu said the tournament’s prize money has also been increased from the previous K650,000 to K700,000.
Melu said ABSA is committed to continuing to support the development of football in the country.
She added that because football has remained a unifying factor, ABSA has decided to continue supporting its development.
“We are committed to football and we do truly believe that football brings everyone together,” stated Melu.
The managing director also revealed that this year’s runners-up will receive K350,000, while the top scorer and best goalkeeper will each receive K25,000.
Other prizes include the player of the tournament award which will see the winner banking a K25,000.
Meanwhile, Green Buffaloes FC have been drawn against Forest Rangers and will play the first match of the tournament.
Last year’s runners-up, Red Arrows, will clash with FC MUZA.
Super League leaders, Power Dynamos, will face National Division One side, Mufulira Wanderers and Green Eagles will battle Solwezi’s Trident FC.
It was also announced that each player of the match award winner in the tournament will receive K15,000.
ABSA Cup participating teams to receive travel grants
Participating teams will receive a travel grant of K30,000 for teams traveling from out of town. An increase from the previous K20,000 while teams playing in their hometown will receive K20,000 each.
Match days one and two will be played on 11 and 12 March 2023 at Lusaka’s woodlands stadium. The semifinals will be held at the Arthur Davies Stadium on April 8 and 9.
The ABSA cup is Zambia’s biggest cup competition. It is currently being held by Super League side Napsa Stars who failed to qualify for this year’s edition.
