Zambia : ZPL Forces Cancellation Of Mopani Challenge Cup

The 2026 IRH-Mopani Challenge Cup has been cancelled after the Zambian Premier League – ZPL issued a directive to reschedule the two-legged charity competition.

The competition was to feature Nkana FC and Mufulira Wanderers FC on Saturday, 5 September and Saturday, 12 September 2026.

In a letter dated 31 August 2026, ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe said the change was necessitated by the use of Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola for CAF Interclub Competition fixtures on the original dates.

The ZPL made it clear the adjustment was mandatory.

“Please note that this is an instruction and not a request. The affected clubs are therefore required to make the necessary logistical and operational arrangements to ensure that the matches are played on the revised dates,” Chimpampwe stated in the letter addressed to CEOs of Nkana and Mufulira Wanderers.

Following the directive, Mopani Copper Mines PLC said it would not be possible to reorganize the extensive arrangements already put in place at such short notice.

The company announced the cancellation on Thursday, 3 September 2026, just days before the first leg.

Mopani Public Relations Manager Nebert Mulenga explained the decision.

“After careful consideration of the implications of the Zambian Premier League directive, the Company has decided that it would not be feasible to reorganise the entire competition programme on revised dates at such short notice,” Mulenga said.

Mopani said logistics including venue setup, security, transport, fan mobilization and sponsorship activations had already been finalized for the two Saturdays.

The company expressed regret over the cancellation and the inconvenience caused to Nkana, Mufulira Wanderers, supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders.

The IRH-Mopani Challenge Cup was designed to use football as a vehicle for community development and social impact.

Despite pulling out this year, Mopani reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both clubs and “promoting sport as a means of contributing to community development.”

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Hot this week

UPND Losing Candidates Flood Courts With Election Petitions Across Provinces September 3, 2026 0 More than 20 losing United Party for National Development... Sports

Muf Wanderers hire new CEO Mvula September 3, 2026 0 MTN Super Division side Mighty Mufulira Wanderers have confirmed... Headlines

UPND Spokesperson Tells UN To Stop Calling Treason Suspects Political Detainees September 3, 2026 2 United Party for National Development (UPND) spokesperson Mark Simuuwe... Columns

Constitutional Court’s silence on presidential petition risks repeating 2016, warns legal scholar September 3, 2026 0 Constitutional law expert Prof Cephas Lumina has warned that... Headlines

China Stands With HH, Pledges Deeper Cooperation On TAZARA And Trade September 3, 2026 4 Chinese President Xi Jinping has commended President Hakainde Hichilema's...

Topics

UPND Losing Candidates Flood Courts With Election Petitions Across Provinces 0 More than 20 losing United Party for National Development... Sports

Muf Wanderers hire new CEO Mvula 0 MTN Super Division side Mighty Mufulira Wanderers have confirmed... Headlines

UPND Spokesperson Tells UN To Stop Calling Treason Suspects Political Detainees 2 United Party for National Development (UPND) spokesperson Mark Simuuwe... Columns

Constitutional Court’s silence on presidential petition risks repeating 2016, warns legal scholar 0 Constitutional law expert Prof Cephas Lumina has warned that... Headlines

China Stands With HH, Pledges Deeper Cooperation On TAZARA And Trade 4 Chinese President Xi Jinping has commended President Hakainde Hichilema's... Feature Politics

International Bodies Working To Resolve Treason Case Against Mundubile, Zulu — Lawyer 3 The United Nations, the Southern African Development Community and... Headlines

UN Rapporteur Demands Release Of Zambia’s Political Detainees 5 Zambia's Post-Election Crackdown Must End Immediately, UN Special Rapporteur... Sports

CAF CUP: Malagasy side plots Arrows fall 0 Madagascar’s FC Rouge have arrived in Zambia ahead of...

Related Articles

Muf Wanderers hire new CEO Mvula

CAF CUP: Malagasy side plots Arrows fall Sports September 2, 2026

Gamphani Lungu in injury scare

How Laughter Chilembe preached hard work in Zimbabwe

Power targets positive start in Africa ‎

Popular Categories