MINES UNITED RELEGATED AFTER JUST ONE SEASON DESPITE BOLD COUNCIL OF ELDERS INITIATIVE
Mines United FC’s dream of establishing themselves in Zambia’s top-flight has ended in disappointment, with the Kabwe-based side suffering immediate relegation back to the Zambian National League after just one season in the 2025/2026 Zambia Premier League.
The club’s demotion was confirmed after a difficult campaign in which they managed only 15 points from 33 matches, recording just 2 wins, 9 draws, and 22 defeats, while conceding 55 goals and scoring only 18. They finished bottom of the league table in 18th position.
The relegation comes despite an ambitious and highly publicised intervention by club chairman Mr. Mathew Mohan, who at the beginning of the season appointed a Council of Elders made up of prominent former footballers and respected football minds to provide guidance and strategic counsel to the team.
The Council of Elders was unveiled in May 2025 as part of Mines United’s preparations for their debut season in the Super League. The initiative was seen as a progressive and innovative move aimed at instilling discipline, football wisdom, and a winning culture within the club.
Among those appointed were respected football figures including Danny Kabwe as Chairperson and veteran coach Patrick Phiri as Vice Chairperson, alongside other experienced football personalities tasked with mentoring players and supporting the technical bench. According to reports, the council’s mandate was to “encourage and bring glory to Mines United” and help the club build a strong football identity.
At the time of promotion, optimism was high. Chairman Mohan had openly declared ambitious targets for the club, including long-term infrastructure plans such as a proposed 15,000-seater stadium in Kabwe, signaling serious investment and intent.
However, football can be unforgiving. Despite the club’s strategic planning and administrative efforts, results on the pitch failed to match expectations. Mines United struggled for consistency throughout the campaign and were unable to compete effectively against more experienced Super League sides.
Their immediate relegation raises difficult questions about whether structural and advisory reforms alone are enough without stronger squad depth, technical execution, and top-flight experience.
Still, many observers believe the Council of Elders initiative should not be viewed as a failure, but rather as a foundation upon which Mines United can rebuild. With committed leadership, community support, and lessons learned from a harsh debut season, the Kabwe side may yet return stronger.
For now, MineBola’s Super League journey pauses after just one season—but their rebuilding begins immediately
