Nkana FC loses three points in the Zambia Premier League (ZPL) after fielding an ineligible player against Green Buffaloes. FAZ confirms the 0-3 result.
Week Three of the Zambia Premier League (ZPL), has brought fresh controversy for Nkana FC. Following a disciplinary review, the FAZ Player Status Committee has confirmed that Nkana fielded an ineligible player in their fixture against Green Buffaloes on 30th August, 2025.
Nkana’s use of Nduna Zulu, who was deemed ineligible, led to the reversal of their win against Green Buffaloes and a K10,000 fine. The club has announced plans to appeal the decision, but for now, the penalty stands.
As a result, the initial outcome has been overturned, and Green Buffaloes have officially been awarded a 3-0 victory. The ruling is a reminder that the ZPL takes compliance seriously, with regulations serving as firm rules rather than guidelines. Clubs are expected to thoroughly check player eligibility before kick-off.
The opening day of the season also saw Zesco United 3 points docked after misconduct with player paper work. ZPL managment revealed Zesco United has been docked points and awarded to Konkola Blades after Week 1.
For Nkana, this is a bitter pill to swallow. Known as one of Zambia’s most decorated football clubs, the former Red Devils are struggling both on and off the pitch this season. Just this past weekend, they suffered another setback in their Week Four fixture, losing 1-0 to Kabwe Warriors. Francis Banda’s decisive strike in the 57th minute sealed the Warriors’ win and left Nkana fans frustrated.
The docked points and the string of poor performances now paint a grim picture of Nkana’s 2025 campaign. Instead of pushing up the table, they find themselves sinking under the weight of administrative mistakes and lackluster results on the field. Supporters who had hoped for a strong start are instead questioning whether the team has the depth, focus, and management discipline to turn things around.
Meanwhile, Green Buffaloes benefit from the disciplinary ruling, picking up three points without breaking a further sweat. For them, this could prove vital in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive ZPL season.
As things stand, Nkana will need more than just fan support—they’ll need a serious shift in form and organization if they want to salvage their season. Otherwise, 2025 could go down as one of the club’s most disappointing years in recent memory.
