The 2025 edition of the Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Carling Black Label Charity Shield will feature an expanded format and a record-breaking K2 million budget, the Zambian Premier League and sponsors Zambian Breweries have announced.
The Charity Shield, traditionally the curtain-raiser for the Zambian football season, will include both men’s and women’s teams and will be played over two days at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on 9 and 10 August.
At a launch event held in Ndola on Monday morning, organisers revealed that eight teams will take part in what is being billed as the most inclusive edition of the competition to date.
Zambian Breweries Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Tawanda Hojane, said the expansion reflects the company’s deepening commitment to inclusivity and community impact.
“This year’s tournament is going big with two full days of football action. A total of eight teams will compete and we are proud to include both men’s and women’s matches showcasing the full depth of Zambia’s football talent,” Hojane said.
The direct support to the Zambian Premier League has increased from K450,000 last year to K750,000, with funds allocated for team kits, prize money, and community activities. The full K2 million package also covers operational costs and marketing.
How the tournament will run
Day one of the tournament will feature a men’s clash between National League high-flyers Konkola Blades and Kansanshi Dynamos, followed by the women’s national league final between Konkola Blades Queens (Northern region champions) and National Assembly Queens (Southern region champions). The winner of the women’s fixture will be crowned national champion.
Day two will see the Women’s Super League champions Zesco Ndola Girls take on Green Buffaloes Women before MTN Super League winners Power Dynamos face runners-up and Absa Cup holders Zesco United in the headline match.
ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe said the revised format elevates the legacy of the tournament’s namesake.
“This event is more than just a curtain raiser; it’s a celebration of a Zambian football icon and a platform for community development. This year’s inclusion of women’s teams is a reflection of our commitment to growing the game at all levels,” said Chimpampwe.
He added that last year’s proceeds saw K30,000 donated to Child Life Touch, with further charitable initiatives to be announced for this year.
Meanwhile, Zambia Breweries Head of Country Marketing, Lusungu Nguni, confirmed that fans will once again have the opportunity to select the starting line-up for the Power Dynamos vs Zesco United match.
“We’re giving the fans power again just like last year; supporters will have the final say on who starts in the big match,” said Nguni.
And Kansanshi Dynamos coach Zeddy Saileti is relishing an encounter against the Blades.
“It very important for the team; having a game will give us a big insight of our team,” Saileti said. “It will be entertaining; it will be tough. We know them [Blades]; we played them twice in the National League and it will be very competitive.”
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