2026 IRH–Mopani Challenge Cup set for September matchdays

The 2026 IRH–Mopani Challenge Cup will be played over two September matchdays, with the opening fixtures scheduled for 5 September and the return games on 12 September. The tournament will bring together teams from Nkana and Mufulira Wanderers ahead of the new season.

Shinde Stadium in Mufulira will host the first-leg fixtures on Saturday, 5 September. The competition will then move to Nkana Stadium in Kitwe for the return matches the following Saturday, 12 September.

Six teams are expected to take part. They are the men’s Super League sides of Nkana and Mufulira Wanderers, Young Nkana, Young Mufulira Wanderers, Nkana Girls and Mufulira Wanderers Queens. All are linked to the two Mopani-sponsored clubs.

The cup has been included in both clubs’ preparations for the new campaign. It will give the teams competitive action before the Super League season and allow them to measure their readiness for domestic competition, with the clubs also targeting strong league finishes and continental qualification.

Mopani Copper Mines chief executive officer Charles Sakanya has called on Nkana and Mufulira Wanderers to use their strongest available teams during the tournament. His message is for both clubs to treat the matches as a serious test of their preparation rather than simply as pre-season fixtures.

The event will also retain its charitable purpose in the Copperbelt. Money raised from the matches will be channelled to selected organisations and individuals in Kitwe and Mufulira, supporting people and groups working with vulnerable members of the two communities.