Relegation Battles Comes to a Climax

THE curtain comes down on the 2024/2025 MTN Zambia Super League season today, and while the championship race has already been settled with Power Dynamos poised to be officially crowned champions, the spotlight will shift to the bottom of the table where an intense battle for survival unfolds.

With Indeni FC, Lumwana Radiants, and Forest Rangers already relegated, the fight to avoid joining them in the lower division has reached fever pitch.

Four clubs, Sensational Zanaco FC, Green Eagles, Atletico Lusaka, and Mutondo Stars, are all walking a tightrope as they head into their final fixtures of the season.

Green Eagles, who have endured a poor run of form with two draws and two defeats in their last four outings, are desperate for redemption when they host FC MUZA at Independence Stadium in Choma.

Currently sitting 15th on the log with 38 points, Eagles know that only a win will do if they are to secure their Super League status.

FC MUZA comes into the game high on confidence after a resounding 5-2 victory over Nkana FC in their last match, setting up a challenging encounter for the struggling Choma-based side.

At Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka, it will be do-or-die for Sensational Zanaco FC as they take on Red Arrows in a thrilling Midlands derby.

Zanaco need nothing less than a win to keep their hopes of staying in the Super League alive. Their fate could be sealed depending on results elsewhere, making their clash with the Airmen crucial.

“It is going to be a very exciting game playing against the defending champions Red Arrows. I think this is the game that holds our destiny to survive relegation. Looking at what has been going on in training, everything went well and I think the players are looking set for the encounter against Red Arrows,” said Zanaco head coach Numba Mumamba.

“When we are playing big teams like Arrows I think players get motivated naturally and they express themselves and that is why we are very happy to play Red Arrows in our last game. We hope the players will rise to the occasion and get us the result that we want to survive relegation”.

Today’s derby will also carry emotional weight as it marks the final professional appearance of veteran striker James Chamanga.

The 45-year-old former Chipolopolo star will hang up his boots after an illustrious 25-year career.

Chamanga, who won two league titles, an ABSA Cup, a Charity Shield, and a CECAFA Kagame Cup during his time with Red Arrows, also played for Zanaco before moving abroad, where he featured for Bush Bucks, SuperSport United, and Moroka Swallows in South Africa.

“Ending my career with a game against Zanaco will be emotional for me because I played for Zanaco before going to South Africa. Zanaco may face relegation if we win depending on the results from the other teams so it will be interesting,” said Chamanga.

Elsewhere, Atletico Lusaka will be banking on an upset when they face Zesco United at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. Zesco are guaranteed second place but will be eager to end their campaign on a high. Atletico, however, have everything to fight for as they seek a win to survive the drop.

Nchanga Rangers, currently 11th with 41 points, are not yet safe either and must defeat champions Power Dynamos in what is expected to be a tough coronation fixture.

A win would guarantee safety, while any slip-up could spell disaster for Nchanga Rangers if other results go against them.

At Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka, Mutondo Stars will take on NAPSA Stars in another crucial tie. Mutondo must avoid defeat to avoid relegation in what will be a high-pressure encounter.

In other games scheduled for today, already relegated Indeni FC and Forest Rangers will face off in their final top-flight match, while Mufulira Wanderers will host Green Buffaloes at Shinde Stadium to wrap up their campaign.

Nkana FC, still smarting from their heavy loss to FC MUZA, will play Kabwe Warriors at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe, hoping to end on a positive note.

Meanwhile, High Flying Nkwazi FC will entertain Lumwana Radiants at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka in a match that has no relegation consequences.

This article was originally published by NewsDiggers.