SOLWEZI, ZAMBIA — Kansanshi Dynamos Head Coach Dennis Makinka has welcomed the details confirmed by the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) on the 2026 MTN Super League Transition Season, describing the new arrangements as a positive development ahead of the campaign.
The ZPL this week provided further details on the Transition Season, which has been introduced as part of the realignment of Zambia’s domestic football calendar.
The MTN Super League will see the 20 participating teams compete in two streams, with each club playing 18 matches within its respective stream. At the conclusion of the league programme, the team finishing top of each stream will qualify for the Transition Season Championship Match on 31 January 2027.
The two stream winners will meet to determine the Transition Season champion, with the winner also earning the opportunity to represent Zambia in the CAF Champions League, subject to applicable CAF competition regulations and club licensing requirements.
The ZPL has also confirmed that qualification for the 2027 ABSA Cup will be based on the final standings of the Transition Season, rather than the halfway-stage positions used in previous seasons.
It is against these confirmed arrangements that Makinka has welcomed the decision, noting that the different objectives across the table will give teams plenty to compete for throughout the shortened campaign.
“I think the decision that ZPL has made is very welcome for me.”
Makinka reflected on the previous league format, observing that once some teams had secured certain objectives, such as ABSA Cup qualification, their approach could change in the latter part of the season, while the teams still competing for the championship or battling relegation remained in contention.
He believes the revised arrangements will make the latter stages interesting, with teams having to maintain their focus on their respective objectives through to the end of the Transition Season.
Kansanshi 80% Ready
With the opening fixture approaching, preparations at Kansanshi Dynamos are progressing well, with Makinka putting the team’s current readiness at around 80 percent.
The assessment follows the club’s preseason programme, including a series of friendly matches that have allowed the technical bench to assess the squad and work on its tactical approach.
“The boys have been doing very well. From what I’ve seen in the friendlies, I think we are 80% ready. I’m sure by the time we finish next week, by the time we play our first game, we’ll be ready.”
Makinka says most areas of the team’s tactical preparation are progressing well, although the technical bench still has some work to do on set pieces before the opening match.
The coach has also identified competing for one of the continental slots as one of Kansanshi Dynamos’ objectives during the Transition Season.
Makinka Expects Competitive Stream A
Kansanshi Dynamos will compete in Stream A, with Makinka expecting a demanding campaign against a group of strong opponents.
The coach pointed to the presence of the reigning champions and teams such as Konkola Blades and Nchanga Rangers, while noting that every side in the stream will present its own challenge.
Rather than being deterred by the quality of the opposition, Makinka says the team’s preparations are geared towards competing against strong sides.
He says the preseason period has provided an opportunity for the squad to prepare for the demands that will come with the competitive campaign.
With only a few days remaining before the opening fixture, the coach has called for concentration and discipline from the players, urging them to maximise every remaining training session.
Unity Within the Squad
Beyond the tactical and physical preparations, Makinka has also highlighted the unity within the squad as one of the strongest aspects of the team ahead of the new campaign.
The coach says the level of togetherness within the group has stood out, even compared with what he experienced last season.
“If you are united, you are like toothpicks, you know. No one can break you.”
Makinka believes the unity within the group will be an important foundation as the team begins its Transition Season campaign.
With the 3 October start date approaching, the Fearless Mabanga Boys are now entering the final stage of preparations for their 18-match Stream A campaign.
For Makinka, the immediate focus is on completing the remaining preparations, maintaining discipline and ensuring the squad is ready when the competitive campaign begins.
The countdown to the 2026 Transition Season continues.
