Following the conclusion of the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) National League playoffs, four teams have secured promotion to the second tier of Zambian football.
Among the promoted sides is Copperbelt’s Roan United, who overcame a three-point deduction to finish second in their qualification group. Their return has been widely celebrated across the Copperbelt and beyond, owing to their rich footballing history.
Roan United are best remembered for winning the inaugural Zambian Super League title in 1962. The club is also renowned for producing top national team goalkeepers, including Emmanuel Mwape—best goalkeeper at the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations—and Davies Phiri, who began his career there.
Also earning promotion are Makeni All Stars from Lusaka, Chipata City Council FC from Eastern Province, and Solwezi Academy from North-Western Province.
Relegated from the MTN Super League and joining the second tier are Forest Rangers and Indeni FC (both from Ndola), Atletico Lusaka, and Lumwana Radiants.
For the upcoming 2025/26 season, the Copperbelt will lead in representation with five teams in the league. Ndola alone will contribute three clubs: Forest Rangers, Indeni FC, and Ndola United. Additional Copperbelt representatives include Jumulo FC, Chambishi FC, Kitwe United, and Roan United.
Lusaka derbies will feature Atletico Lusaka, Chirundu United, Aguila Stars, Makeni All Stars, Kafue Celtics, and River Plate.
North-Western Province will be represented by Lumwana Radiants, Solwezi Academy, and Trident FC. Eastern and Northern Provinces each contribute one team—Chipata City Council and Mpulungu Harbour, respectively.
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