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The 2025 Absa Cup has reportedly received a major financial boost, with this year’s champions set to walk away with K1 million, up from K800,000 in 2024.
Runners-up would also see an increase, earning K400,000, up from last year’s K350,000.
Additionally, the travel subsidy had been raised to K50,000, with teams covering longer distances benefiting from the full amount.
For the second time in the tournament’s history, the Absa Cup is
expected to feature 21 teams, following last year’s format revamp approved by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Absa Bank Zambia PLC.
The competition would include 10 provincial teams, seven MTN Super League teams, and four Zambia Premier League (ZPL) National Division sides.
Speaking at the official launch and draw on Wednesday at Absa House in Lusaka, Absa Bank Zambia PLC Managing Director, Mizinga Melu, announced that total tournament sponsorship had grown to K6.5 million from K5.5 million in 2024.
“This increase in prize money is a testament to our commitment to uplifting Zambian football and ensuring that clubs have the resources to grow. Furthermore, we are excited to introduce additional incentives to recognise individual brilliance on the field,” Melu said.
FAZ president, Andrew Kamanga, praised Absa’s decision to maintain a decentralized format, allowing provincial champions to participate in the prestigious tournament.
“I wish to appeal to other corporates to emulate Absa Bank for its unwavering support of sports. There are many more opportunities that corporates can take advantage of. We have been knocking on various corporate doors to entice them to invest in our national teams and leagues, which are in need of sponsorship,” Kamanga said.
The 2025 Absa Cup will kick off with a Preliminary Round on March 15-16, followed by the Round of 16 on April 5-6 before progressing to the quarter-finals.
Read More: Zambia Premier League confirms 21 teams for 2025 Absa cup
Fixtures
Preliminary Round (March 15-16)
1. Bart’s FC vs Teta FC
2. Solwezi Academy vs Mathkat United
3. Roan United vs Young Nkwazi
4. Makeni All Stars vs Muchinga Police Blue Eagles
5. Nangweshi Pirates vs Air Power
Round of 16 (April 5-6)
7. Bart’s FC/Teta FC vs ZESCO United
8. Solwezi Academy/Mathkat United vs Konkola Blades
9. Roan United/Young Nkwazi vs Nkana FC
10. Kansanshi Dynamos vs Green Buffaloes
11. Mpulungu Harbour vs Red Arrows
12. Prison Leopards vs Green Eagles
13. Makeni All Stars/Muchinga Police
14. Blue Eagles vs Kabwe Warriors
15. Nangweshi Pirates/Air Power vs Power Dynamos
With an increased prize pool and expanded competition format, the 2025 Absa Cup may promise to be one of the most competitive editions yet.
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