The ABSA Cup 2021 draws were conducted on Thursday morning in Lusaka.

 Eight teams are in this year’s ABSA Cup competition, with the top six teams as at Week 17 coming from the Super League and two from the National Division One League.

 The 2020 edition of the ABSA was cancelled due the advent of the Corona virus and the competition returns with an improved package for the teams.

 ABSA Bank Zambia Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations Mato Shimabale revealed that because of the restrictions on fans in the stadium and limited marketing activations allowed under Covid guidelines the bank has decided to allocate up to K3.8 million as sponsorship.

 “Our investment in the tournament, including the prizes is to the tune of K3.0 million but I must state that even though this may appear less than announced last year,” Mr Shimabale said.

 “It is because of the restrictions on fans in the stadium and limited marketing activations allowed under Covid guidelines. Should the environment change, we have allocated up to K3.8million for this sponsorship,” he added.

 This year’s ABSA Cup winners will walk away with K600 000 in prize money, runners up will take home K250 000 while the Coach and Player of the Tournament will each get K25 000. The Man of the Match award has been pegged at K15 000 with Absa’s insurance arm, Absa Life contributing K5, 000 towards each of the individual prizes – the Man of the Match, Coach and Player of the Tournament in the spirit of making the prize money attractive.

 Mr Shimabale revealed that Absa Bank remains committed to supporting the growth of Zambia football and stressed that the bank will continue to complement Government and stakeholder efforts to promote sports.

 “As a Bank, we remain committed to supporting the growth of the game of football in the country and we will continue to complement Government and stakeholder efforts in order for us to collectively promote sports and youth empowerment across the country,” said Mr Shimabale.

 And MultiChoice Zambia Chief Customer Relations, Leah Kooma said MultiChoice has taken a key role in supporting the Absa Cup Tournament.

 She further added that MultiChoice through SuperSport has been a consistent partner in broadcasting the Absa Cup tournament for many years.

 “MultiChoice Zambia has taken a key role in supporting the Absa Cup Tournament. I note with deep appreciation the longstanding partnership between ABSA Bank Zambia PLC and MultiChoice that spans over many years. Our relationship has helped to develop football in Zambia, and we hope to continue doing so,” she said.

 At the Quarterfinals stage, Zesco United will face Kansanshi Dynamos, while ZANACO have been drawn against Kabwe Warriors. In the other matches, Forest Rangers will play Konkola Blades and Lusaka Dynamos will be taking on Prison Leopards. 

 Quarterfinal matches will be played on 13th and 14th March, 2021 at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka, the semifinals will be played on the weekend of 17th and 18th April, 2021 at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe while the final is slated for the weekend of 24-25 April, 2021 at a venue to be determined.