Zambia Super League
The Zambia Super League, also known as the MTN/FAZ Super League for sponsorship purposes,
is the top division of football in Zambia.
It is organized by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and is widely regarded as
one of the most competitive leagues in Southern Africa.
The league has produced some of Africa’s finest talents, including players who later moved to
top leagues in Europe and contributed heavily to Zambia’s historic
2012 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
History and facts
The Zambia Super League was officially established in 1962, shortly before the country gained independence. Over the decades, it has been dominated by legendary clubs such as Zesco United, Zanaco, Nkana FC, and Green Buffaloes.
Nkana FC, one of the most historic teams, rose to continental prominence in the 1980s and reached the 1990 CAF Champions League final.
In recent years, Zesco United and Zanaco have modernized Zambian club football with improved structures, better player development, and consistent continental qualification.
League system
The Zambia Super League generally consists of 18 clubs.
Each team plays the others twice (home and away), giving a total of 34 matches per season.
The bottom teams are relegated to the FAZ National Division One,
while the best Division One clubs get promoted.
Table 1. Zambian football league pyramid
| League | Tier |
|---|---|
| Zambia Super League | 1 |
| FAZ National Division One | 2 |
| FAZ Provincial Leagues | 3 |
Below these levels, football continues in district and local development leagues.
Stats
Teams with most titles
Table 2. Most Zambian league titles
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Nkana FC | 13 |
| Zesco United | 9 |
| Green Buffaloes | 6 |
| Zanaco | 7 |
| Mufulira Wanderers | 9 |
| Power Dynamos | 7 |
Major stadiums
Table 3. Major stadiums in the Zambia Super League
| Stadium | Home club | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Levy Mwanawasa Stadium | Zesco United | 40,000 |
| Arthur Davies Stadium | Power Dynamos | 10,000 |
| Heroes Stadium (Lusaka) | National team / big matches | 60,000 |
| Nkana Stadium | Nkana FC | 10,000–12,000 |
| Sunset Stadium | Zanaco | 5,000–7,000 |
Players
Famous players
- Christopher Katongo
- Rainford Kalaba
- Stoppila Sunzu
- Kennedy Mweene
- Collins Mbesuma
- Godfrey Chitalu
- Patson Daka (youth pathway)
- Fashion Sakala (youth pathway)
Zambia Super League timeline
1962
The national football league is established in Zambia.
1990
Nkana reach the CAF Champions League final.
2000s
Zanaco and Power Dynamos dominate domestically.
2010s
Zesco United emerge as a powerhouse with continental success.
2020s
League modernization and increased competition.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zambia_Super_League
https://www.fazfootball.com
https://www.rsssf.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zambia_Super_League
https://www.fazfootball.com
https://www.rsssf.org
