The 2025 National Division One League play-off draws have been conducted, with teams set to battle for promotion to the National League.The tournament will see both men’s and women’s teams compete for the top four slots in their respective categories.
In the men’s category, Group A includes Machacha Soccer Academy, Chipata City Council, Mathkat United, and Solwezi Academy last year’s participants Muchinga Blue Eagles Police Mathkat United and Solwezi Academy are set to meet once again, having previously clashed in the opening game of the 2025 ABSA Tournament, where the North-Western representatives, Solwezi Academy won with a narrow 1–0 victory.
Group B features 1962 Zambian Premier League champions Roan United, alongside Teta FC, Makeni All Stars, Barts FC, and Nangweshi Pirates, who are making a return after falling short last year in their bid for promotion to the second tier of Zambian football.
Barts FC president Barton Barker acknowledged the difficulty of the groups and expressed confidence in his team’s prospects.
“All the groups are tough as teams will be fighting for promotion,” Barker said.
He added that the fixture between Barts FC and Roan United will be one to watch, especially given the shared history with Roan United’s current head coach.
And Roan United Coach Satchmo Chakawa said the boys are ready to play the games and fight for promotion.
Chakawa also stated that the Barts FC, Roan United game is going to be tough. “I know every corner of the club, I was there and I know where it’s headed to ,” Chakawa noted.
Meanwhile Mathkat Club treasure Noah Chilufya said the team is determined to take top flight football to the people of Luapula Province.
Chilufya explained the team is confident to win against Solwezi Academy this time around noting that the team’s have learnt their mistakes and studied their opponents.
However, In the women’s playoffs, Young Green Buffaloes have been drawn against Kalumbila Queens, Valley Queens, Chipembele Police Queens of Luapula and Mwenzo Queens of Muchinga in Group A.
While group B has Ingwe Girls, Mulauli Academy, Pemba Queens, Young Mu Sports Academy Queens, and Bwacha Pirates Queens.
The matches will be played from the 17-21at Edwin Imboela Stadium and Lusaka Municipal Sports Club (Munis) from 17–21 June 2025 on a round-robin basis and the top two teams in each group will secure their ZPL National League promotion.