Chibambo Questions Relegation Plans During Transition Season
Former Zambia international Signs Chibambo believes relegating teams at the end of the MTN Super League transition season would be unfair, arguing that clubs need a full campaign to properly prove themselves.
The former striker says the performances of newly promoted sides have highlighted deeper issues within Zambian football that go beyond the quality of players available to clubs.
This season’s transition league features Chirundu United, Roan United, Trident FC and Makeni All Stars, all of whom are adjusting to life in the top flight.
Speaking in an interview, Chibambo said some of the promoted teams have performed admirably despite operating with fewer resources than more established clubs.
“The newly promoted teams have shown that football in Zambia is facing challenges that go beyond player quality. It is surprising to see teams with fewer resources and less experienced squads performing better than teams filled with quality players,” Chibambo said.
The former Nakambala Leopards forward, who also played professionally in Nigeria and Egypt, questioned whether it would be fair to relegate clubs after such a shortened competition.
“As for the current league format, I honestly don’t think it’s fair for teams to be relegated based on such a short competition. Imagine a team working hard all season to earn promotion, only to play for a couple of months and then face relegation,” he said.
“That would be extremely unfair and would not give clubs a proper opportunity to compete and establish themselves at the top level.”
Chibambo believes teams should be judged over a full league campaign where consistency, planning and development can be measured more accurately.
“For me, the focus remains on the normal full season, where teams have enough time to prove their quality, consistency and long-term development,” he said.
“Football should be decided over a meaningful period, not a short-term competition that may not accurately reflect a team’s true potential.”
His remarks add to the growing debate surrounding the structure of the transition season as clubs continue to adjust ahead of the return to a regular league format.
