Football Association of Zambia - FAZ - Western Province

BAROTSE CROCS AND NANGWESHI PIRATES QUEENS CROWNED CHAMPIONS AS FAZ WESTERN PROVINCE HONOURS OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS

Mongu Stadium came alive with celebration, pride and recognition as the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Western Province officially crowned Barotse Crocs as the 2025/2026 Men’s Division One Western Province Champions, while Nangweshi Pirates Queens were crowned champions in the Women’s Division One Western Province League.

The colorful awards ceremony marked the conclusion of an exciting football season filled with intense competition, remarkable performances and unforgettable moments across the province.

Barotse Crocs were rewarded for their consistency, discipline and determination throughout the season after emerging champions in a dramatic title race that went down to the final stages of the campaign. Their triumph capped off a successful season that also saw the club dominate individual accolades.

In women’s football, Nangweshi Pirates Queens continued to prove their growing dominance after being crowned Women’s Division One Western Province Champions. Their success reflects the continued growth and competitiveness of women’s football in the province.

The ceremony also celebrated outstanding individuals and clubs for their contributions and performances during both the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons.

2024/2025 MEN’S AWARD WINNERS

* Best Coach: Christopher Lungu (Barotse Crocs)
* Young Player of the Season: Kwalombota Kwalombota (Lukulu Dynamos)
* Best Goalkeeper: Chikomba Mwewa (Luena Buffaloes)
* Player of the Season: Sipatela Mapezi (Nangweshi Pirates)
* Top Scorer: Chitumbo Biemba (Kalabo Sunset Leopards)

2025/2026 MEN’S AWARD WINNERS

* Best Referee: Aongola Wamundila
* Best Coach: Gerald Simfukwe (Nangweshi Pirates)
* Young Player of the Season: Gift Chingambo (Senanga Rangers)
* Best Goalkeeper: Xaviour Bwembya (Barotse Crocs)
* Player of the Season: Sitenge Likezo (Barotse Crocs)
* Top Scorer: Saudi Miyutu (Luena Buffaloes)

2025/2026 WOMEN’S AWARD WINNERS

* Player of the Season: Nganga Sibeso (Burton)
* Top Scorer: Chipango Chiteta (Nangweshi Pirates Queens)

The FAZ Provincial Chairman’s Awards also recognized individuals who made significant contributions to football development in the province. The recipients included:

* Masiliso Malimbo (Mongu Youth)
* Kwalombota Kwalombota (Lukulu Dynamos)
* Joe Biemba (Kalabo Sunset Leopards)
* Mapanda Patrick (Barotse Crocs)
* Muliunda Kapungu (Antonio FC)

The awards ceremony highlighted the continued growth of football in Western Province and showcased the abundance of talent emerging from the region. Clubs, players, coaches, referees and administrators were all commended for their dedication and commitment toward developing the game.

📢 OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT | FAZ WESTERN REGION

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Western Region wishes to officially announce the Crowning and Awards Presentation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Western Provincial Division I Football League Champions.

Following an exciting and highly competitive season that went down to the final day, the official crowning ceremony for both the Men’s and Women’s Champions will take place on:

📅 Sunday, 24th May 2026
📍 Mongu Stadium, Mongu
⏰ Activities begin at 13:00 Hours

⚽ Match Day Fixtures:
🏆 Nangweshi Pirates Queens FC 🆚 Burton Queens FC
🏆 Barotse Crocs FC 🆚 Blades FC

The event will also include the presentation of awards to outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen from both the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 league seasons.

FAZ Western Region hereby invites all Media Houses, Journalists, Photographers, Bloggers, Broadcasters, and Content Creators to attend and cover this special occasion as we celebrate football excellence, unity, and the successful conclusion of the season.

Your presence and coverage will greatly contribute to promoting football development and celebrating the achievements of our clubs and players in Western Province.

Come and witness history, celebrate champions, and be part of the football family.

FAZ Division One Western Title Race Heads for Dramatic Final Day Showdown

By Michael Litebele Jr

The 2025/2026 FAZ Division One Western League season is set for a breathtaking finale as the championship race goes down to the final and decisive week. With only one round of fixtures remaining, the battle for glory has reached boiling point, promising football fans across Western Province an unforgettable conclusion.

At the top of the table, Luena Buffaloes and Barotse Crocs are locked together on 55 points, while the in-form Nangweshi Pirates remain within touching distance on 53 points, ready to capitalize on any slip-up from the top two.

Everything now comes down to one final weekend.

Luena Buffaloes Face High-Stakes Trip to Kalabo

League leaders Luena Buffaloes will travel away to Kalabo Sunset Leopards in what could be the most difficult fixture of their season.

While Luena are chasing the championship, Kalabo Sunset Leopards are fighting for survival and desperately need a result to avoid relegation danger. That makes this encounter more than just a title decider it is a battle of ambition versus survival.

Luena Buffaloes know victory could secure them the crown, but they will face a side with everything to play for and the backing of a passionate home crowd.

Barotse Crocs Ready for Final Push

Second-placed Barotse Crocs will be away to Senanga Rangers, hoping to reclaim the top spot and finish the season as champions.

The Crocs have shown remarkable consistency throughout the campaign and possess one of the league’s strongest defensive records. However, Senanga Rangers are capable of causing an upset, especially at home, where pride and finishing the season strongly will motivate them.

For Barotse Crocs, there is no room for error anything less than maximum points could hand the title to their rivals.

Nangweshi Pirates Dreaming of a Late Miracle

Lurking quietly behind the top two are Nangweshi Pirates, who have arguably been the most impressive side in recent weeks.

The Pirates head into their final fixture away to Mayukwayukwa United, knowing that their title hopes depend on winning and hoping the teams above them drop points.

Their recent winning run has transformed them into genuine contenders, and if football has taught us anything, it is that final-day drama is always possible.

One Trophy, Three Contenders

With the title race still wide open, the FAZ Division One Western League has delivered one of the most exciting finishes in recent memory.

Will Luena Buffaloes complete their rise to the top?
Can Barotse Crocs hold their nerve and reclaim the championship?
Or will Nangweshi Pirates produce a sensational last-day upset?

From the title race to the relegation battle, every goal on the final day will matter.

Western Province football fans are set for a thrilling conclusion as the curtain finally falls on a fiercely competitive and unforgettable season.

FAZ Council Approves New Football Season Calendar

By Michael Litebele Jr

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Council has officially approved the change of the Zambian football season calendar from the traditional August to May schedule to a new March to November format.

The decision was made during the 2026 FAZ Annual General Meeting (AGM) currently taking place at Protea Hotel in Ndola, where football administrators and stakeholders from across the country gathered to deliberate on key matters affecting the development of the game.

The new football calendar is expected to align local football activities with regional weather conditions and improve the management of league fixtures throughout the country. The adjustment is also anticipated to help clubs, players and administrators better plan their activities while minimizing disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions during the rainy season.

Delegates at the AGM welcomed the move as a progressive step towards improving the organization and competitiveness of Zambian football. The transition to the March to November calendar is also expected to provide a more conducive environment for football development at all levels.

The AGM continues to address several important issues aimed at strengthening football administration, financial sustainability, infrastructure development and support for provincial football structures across Zambia.

Government Reaffirms Support for Football Development at FAZ AGM in Ndola

By Michael Litebele Jr

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth and development of football in the country during the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) being held in Ndola.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Hon. Elvis Nkandu, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Assistant Director Mr. Grieve Sakuwaha conveyed the minister’s message to delegates gathered at the AGM. The speech emphasized Government’s continued recognition of football as a powerful tool for national unity, youth empowerment and economic development.

Mr. Sakuwaha highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between Government and FAZ in promoting football at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions. He commended FAZ for its efforts in developing the game across the country and encouraged the association to remain committed to transparency, accountability and professionalism in football administration.

The Minister further acknowledged the role football plays in uplifting communities and creating opportunities for young people. Government reiterated its dedication to improving sports infrastructure and supporting programs aimed at nurturing talent among the youth.

Delegates at the AGM were also urged to continue working together in the spirit of unity for the betterment of Zambian football. The message stressed that collective efforts among administrators, clubs, players, supporters and stakeholders are key to achieving greater success for the sport both locally and internationally.

The FAZ AGM has attracted football administrators and stakeholders from across the country, with discussions centered on the development and future direction of football in Zambia.

FAZ Western Province EXCO Present at National AGM in Ndola

By Michael Litebele Jr

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Western Province Executive Committee is among the provincial delegations attending the 2026 FAZ Annual General Meeting (AGM) being held at Protea Hotel in Ndola.

The AGM, which has brought together football administrators, stakeholders and delegates from across the country, is focusing on the growth, governance and development of football in Zambia. The meeting is being presided over by FAZ President Mr Keith Mweemba, who reaffirmed the association’s commitment to unity, constitutionalism and the advancement of the game.

In his address to delegates, Mr Mweemba highlighted the importance of strengthening football structures, promoting financial sustainability, and enhancing football development at both national and provincial levels. He also emphasized the need for unity within the football family and outlined plans aimed at improving administration, infrastructure, equipment support and capacity building across all the ten provinces. He further reaffirmed FAZ’s commitment to continue supporting provincial structures through grants and football kit contributions aimed at improving the operations of clubs and provincial administrations.

Representing Western Province at the AGM are FAZ Western Province Chairperson Mr David Simwinga, Vice Chairperson Mr Mulonda Mukubonda, Women Representative Ms Sandra Mbambi, Youth Representative Mr Lisulo Lisulo, Regional General Secretary Mr Mbao Mushumba, and Mr Michael Litebele serving as Media Officer and Deputy Regional General Secretary.

The presence of the FAZ Western Province EXCO at the AGM demonstrates the province’s commitment to contributing to the development and progress of Zambian football through active participation in national football affairs.

The AGM is also expected to deliberate on key football matters affecting the country, including strategic planning, financial sustainability, football infrastructure development, and support towards provincial football structures as FAZ seeks to usher in a new era for the game.

FAZ Western Province Chairperson, Mr. David Simwinga, arriving at the FAZ National AGM currently taking place in Ndola at Protea Hotel.

IT'S GOING TO THE WIRE
WEEK 30 RESULTS WILL HAVE THE FINAL SAY.
Who do you think will emerge victorious?

Current Standings
Women's League Zone A, Division 2 Zone A, B and C