Absa Cup 2024 Expanded to 21 Teams, as Absa Bank pumps in K5.5million

The Absa Cup 2024 will feature 21 teams after FAZ and Absa approved the significant reimagination of the competition format that will see the winner walk away with K800,000.

The new format will feature 10 provincial teams, seven MTN Super League and four FAZ National Division One teams with a round of 16 featuring 10 provincial teams added prior to the quarter-finals.

Defending champions Forest Rangers miss out on the expanded format after finishing outside the top seven as at Week 17.

Speaking at the announcement of the K5.5 million rich new tournament format, draw and unveiling of the new Absa trophy, Absa Chief Financial Officer Venus Hampinda asked millions of Zambian supporters to champion the spirit of unity and excellence through the Absa Cup.

“We have upped the prize money to K800,000 from last year’s K700,000, K350,0000 runner-up will be at K350,0000 The Absa Life Player of the Tournament, Top Scorer and Golden Glove will each get K25,000,” Hampinda revealed.

“For the ZAMTEL Man of the Match, it will be K15,000 from the quarterfinals K5,000 for the preliminary rounds and the round of 16, and that speaks to us empowering someone with a capital base for them to start doing something in their lives.”

“We have also added a travel subsidy for each team that will vary from 15 to 30 with a bias to supporting the provincial teams. We will consider the distance that they will take to get to the match venues. The prize money, match expenses, media coverage and rights fees are just some of the ways we invest in the success of the tournament and the growth of Zambian football,” Hampinda said.

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga thanked Absa Bank for weathering various economic storms over the years by retained its support to the Zambian game for the last 17 years.

“As we stand today, we are not just celebrating the longevity of the partnership but the undeniable change in the lives of footballers and clubs that have previously participated in this competition,” Kamanga said.

“Over the years, the Absa Cup has birthed various stars that have gone on to don national colours and launched their international club careers. Many corporates have remained on the fence for a long time while Absa Bank has taken the practical step of contributing to the game annually.”

Kamanga said the inclusion of some lower division teams to this year’s edition has added flavour to the event.

“It has always been the desire of FAZ to see more teams participate in cup competitions as part of adding extra motivation for clubs. A few years ago we introduced the FAZ provincial cups as a way of providing additional options to the Absa Cup,” Kamanga explained.

“We had encouraged the provinces to tap into the economic activities indigenous to their regions for additional support and hope that they have now heeded that call. We have additionally provided kit for all the lower division clubs in the FAZ leagues as part of supporting football development. We have consistently supported clubs with kit and footballs since 2017 which has helped revolutionize the grassroots game in the provinces.”

Multichoice Head Operations – Support Recha Karima-Kabwe said Multichoice was excited to partner with FAZ, Absa, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and other stakeholders to deliver the source of joy and unifying force for many people from various walks of life.

“The beaming of live football matches son SuperSport has enabled our soccer lovers to enjoy the wonderful game in the comfort of their homes in full HD. Through partnerships, Multichoice jointly continues to contribute to the investment and growth of the local talent and sports disciplines in Zambia,” Kabwe said.

Absa Cup 2024 Draws in Full

Saturday 23 March, 2024
First Round – Provincial Matches

13h00 Mwaimwena Strikers Vs Ndola United | Nkana Stadium
15h00 Malalo Police Vs Muchinga Blue Eagles | Nkana Stadium

Sunday 24 March, 2024

10h00 Mines United Vs River Plate | Sunset Stadium
13h00 Chirundu United Vs Katete Rangers | Sunset Stadium
15h00 Barotse Crocs Vs Young Kansanshi | Sunset Stadium

Round of 16 (Easter Weekend)

ZESCO United Vs Barotse Crocs/Young Kansanshi
Nchanga Rangers Vs Mines United/River Plate
Red Arrows Vs Malalo Police/Muchinga Blue Eagles
Green Eagles Vs Atletico Lusaka
Kabwe Warriors Vs Lumwana Radiants
Nkwazi Vs Indeni
FC MUZA Vs Katete Rangers/Chirundu United
Power Dynamos Vs Mwaimwena Strikers/Ndola United

KEY DATES

Quarter-Finals April 13/14 Copperbelt
Semi-Finals Lusaka April 27/28 Lusaka
Finals – Copperbelt May 7