Young Nkana FC

ZAMBIAN PREMIER LEAGUE DIRECTIVE FORCES CANCELLATION OF 2026 IRH-MOPANI CHALLENGE CUP

The 2026 IRH-Mopani Challenge Cup has been cancelled following a directive from the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) to reschedule the competition from its originally planned Saturday dates.

The two-legged charity competition involving Nkana FC and Mufulira Wanderers FC was initially scheduled for Saturday, 5 September and Saturday, 12 September 2026.

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

Importantly, the ZPL made it clear that the change was an instruction rather than a request, with the clubs required to make the necessary logistical and operational arrangements to play on the revised dates.

“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,” ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe stated in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officers of Nkana and Mufulira Wanderers.

Following the directive, however, Mopani Copper Mines PLC determined that it would not be feasible to reorganise the extensive arrangements already put in place for the competition at such short notice.

Mopani announced the cancellation on Thursday, 3 September 2026, just days before the first leg was due to be played.

Mopani Public Relations Manager Nebert Mulenga said the company considered the implications of the ZPL directive before deciding against moving ahead with the competition on the revised dates.

“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 it had already finalised extensive logistical and operational arrangements required to stage the competition on the two originally scheduled Saturdays.

The company has since expressed regret over the cancellation and the inconvenience caused to Nkana, Mufulira Wanderers, supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders who had made arrangements for the competition.

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

Despite the cancellation, Mopani reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nkana and Mufulira Wanderers Football Clubs, as well as promoting sport as a means of contributing to community development.

Our Top Scorers of the Season!
Chama Banda – 11
Isaac Musonda – 10
John Kampampa – 8
… and the rest of our heroes!
Thank you to every player who put the ball in the net!

FULL-TIME: Butondo Western Tigers 1-0 Young Nkana FC

A disappointing end to the season for Young Kalampa, who fall narrowly away from home in the final match of the campaign.

Despite the result, the team showed great fight and determination throughout the season, staying in the qualification race until the very end.

Thank you to our players, technical bench, supporters and everyone who stood with the team every step of the way.

Here is your Young Nkana FC squad in camp for Sunday's Week 34 away match against Butondo Western Tigers in Mufulira.

ALL TO PLAY FOR! Young Nkana FC head into the final week of the season just 1 point off the top four and 4 points from top spot. The race is wide open!

Eyes on Week 34 against Butondo Western Tigers, let’s finish strong, Kalampa!

📸 Knsports

BIG WIN IN LUANSHYA!

DIVISION TWO COPPERBELT LEAGUE WEEK 32

HALF-TIME: Antelope Milling 0-0 Young Nkana FC

Goalless in Luanshya.

Our Starting XI for this afternoon's task against Antelope Milling in Week 33. The match will be played in Luanshya at 15h00.