24 hours after the Faz Premier League kick-off, the 2008 division 1 season commences with an interesting bunch of teams eyeing promotion.
In division 1 north, Prison Leopards are the strong favourites for promotion after their good run last season that sadly saw them finish in 3rd place behind promoted Nkana and Chambishi.
Prisons who lost just seven times last season where the team to beat.
Nkana and Chambishi openly testified on their way up that Kabwe based team was the most challenging team in their 2007 battle for promotion.
Prisons are home in their opening match to play a local derby against Chindwin Sentries.
Chinwdin were one of three teams to beat Prisons at home last season-with the other two being Nkana and Chambishi early in the season.
Chinwdin beat Prisons 2-0 when they visited the latter in week 29 last season and the hosts will be hoping to exorcise that result with a bright start in their race for promotion.
Solid Prisons have been impressive in their pre-season warm-up games against top opponents and with Nkana and Chambishi out of they fray they should be the team to beat and watch out for in division 1 north.
Prisons will be seeking their first return to top-flight football since making their only other appearance in 2003.
The second big game in 1 north will be another local derby at Musa Kasonka in Ndola where the two demoted teams Zamtel host Forest Rangers as both sides seek a quick return to top flight football at the end of this season.
In division 1 south, two teams will also be seeking quick returns to the Premier League under new management on the bench.
National Assembly who were relegated after four seasons in the Premier League begin their promotion quest under new coach Dean Mwiinde with a home fixture against Nampundwe.
Mwiinde guided Konkola Blades on the first attempt to the Premier League at the end of the 2005 season and Assembly will be hoping his magic wand is still potent to do the same for them this season.
Nakambala Leopards too have a new coach under former Lusaka Dynamos and Zamsure head coach and Zanaco assistant Weston Mumba.
The Mazabuka team are away to Young Buffaloes.
Third placed finishers last season Riflemen should not be discounted especially after successfully holding on to their inspirational top striker Mike Kamwimba for another season.
Riflemen too are on the road to face promoted Mazabuka United.
FAZ DIVISION 1
NORTH
WEEK 1
16/03/2008
Prison Leopards- Chindwin
Mufulirra Blackpool- Mining Rangers
Kitwe United- Mufulira Wanderers
Indeni- Ndola United
Kalewa – Tazara Express
Muchindu- Medical Stars
Zamtel – Forest Rangers
15/03/2008
Lime Hotspurs- Afrisports
SOUTH
WEEK 1
Lusaka Celtic- Lusaka Tigers
Lusaka City Council- Livingstone Pirates
Kalomo Jetters- Zamcoal Diggers
Kambuku Warriors- Chilanga Heroes
Young Green Eagles- Petauke United
Builders Brigade- Profund Warriors
National Assembly- Namupundwe
Mazabuka United- Riflemen
Young Buffaloes- Nakambala Leopards
