The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has officially informed clubs that the winner of this year’s ABSA Cup will secure Zambia’s slot in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup .
This directive, communicated in a memo by ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe, aligns with Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations that require qualification to be determined strictly by sporting merit from the 2025/26 domestic season.
In a memo dated February 23, 2026, ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe stated that “pursuant to directives issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the qualification framework for Zambia’s representatives in the 2026/27 CAF Inter-Club Competitions shall be determined strictly on the basis of sporting merit achieved during the 2025/26 domestic season.”
Per the competition guidelines, the 2025/26 MTN Super League champion will earn Zambia’s sole spot in the CAF Champions League, while the ABSA Cup winner qualifies for the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Zambia Premier League (ZPL) has underscored that the ABSA Cup is the country’s only officially recognized national cup; if the same club clinches both titles, the Confederation Cup berth will transfer to the cup runners-up.
Clubs have also been reminded that participation in African competition is contingent on meeting all FAZ Club Licensing Regulations spanning sporting, infrastructure, administrative, legal, and financial standard and are urged to align their strategic planning accordingly.
