LUSAKA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's premier soccer league will kicked off on March 17, the country's soccer governing body said on Wednesday.

Desmond Katongo, communications manager of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said the league will be preceded by the holding of the traditional league opener -- the Charity Shield semi-finals clash on March 3, with the final slated for March 10.

In the charity shield, Zesco United, the 2017 champions will face Napsa Stars while 12-time league champions Nkana will face Zanaco, he said in a statement.