Everything you need to know about the Zambia Super League
The 2022/2023 FAZ Super League season kicked off on August 20 in the race to decide the 62nd Zambian champions at the end of May. Here are some key facts heading to the new season.
1. The FAZ Super League is sponsored by Africa’s mobile telecom giant MTN and have a R14.7 million a year deal with the Football Association of Zambia. The three-year deal will run from 2021-2023.
Zambian Breweries this season joined the FAZ Super League as a ‘silver sponsor’ starting with a R3.1 million deal that began with their sponsorship of the season-opening Charity Shield.
2. Transfers: There have been some overseas moves, notably to Europe:
Midfielder Prince Mumba left Kabwe Warriors for Croatian club NK Istra 1961 on a season long-move.
Striker Albert Kangwanda moved to Croatian club HNK Gorica from demoted Kafue Celtic on a long-term deal.
Kangwanda was the 4th highest scorer on 12 goals, four behind Red Arrows’ Ricky Banda.
Midfielder Miguel Chaiwa left lower-tier club FC Shamuel to join Swiss club Young Boys on a five-year deal.
Domestic:
South African-born Chipolopolo goalkeeper Mwenya Cyril Chibwe will be playing in Zambia for the first time after joining nine-time champions Zesco United on a free transfer following his release from Baroka FC in January.
Another ex-PSL face in the shape of striker Austin Muwowo has also moved to Zesco on a free transfer after three years at Orlando Pirates.
Champions Red Arrows have signed the nomadic striker and ex-Chipolopolo prospect Conlyde Luchanga from promoted FC MUZA.
Luchanga had a great 2021/2022 season at Prison Leopards from FC MUZA with a season-best 10 goals since he first arrived on the scene in 2015.
3. The FAZ Super League is currently in transition to an autonomous entity.
This is the second season of the process under an interim ZPL chairperson and a Chief Executive Officer who is on secondment from FAZ.
The FAZ Super League will run uninterrupted during the course of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
4. Promoted Teams: FC MUZA, Napsa Stars, Nchanga Rangers and Lumwana Radiants. No Debutants in the 2022/2023 season.
5. Demoted Teams: Kafue Celtic (ZPL debutants), Lusaka Dynamos, Indeni, Konkola Blades
6. FAZ SUPER LEAGUE WEEK 1 FIXTURES:
Nkana -Kabwe Warriors
Nchanga Rangers-Buildcon