Chapungu return to PSL

Midlands Sports Correspondent
AMAVENI Stadium was the centre of wild celebrations in the Midlands after Air Force of Zimbabwe side, Chapungu, were promoted into the topflight league following a convincing 4-2 victory over Tongogara in a Zifa Central Soccer League encounter at the weekend.

Moses Chunga’s Hippo Valley have also been promoted into the elite league from the Eastern region. At Amaveni, a brace by Callisto Maheya and a goal each by Nobert Zingwe and Tichaona Munyeneyi powered the Gweru-based outfit into the topflight league. “Waru Waru” as Chapungu are affectionately known, guaranteed themselves a Premier League slot with the emphatic victory.

The win against Tongogara means Chapungu now have 64 points, 10 ahead of second placed Town United and with five rounds of games before the season ends the airmen are assured of six points from their last two games of the season which will take their points tally to an unassailable 70 points.

Chapungu will be awarded maximum points and a 3-0 scoreline for their home game against Tripple B Academy and what would have been their last game of the season against Gwanda Ramblers who were expelled from the league for non-payment of affiliation fees. Town United who lost 0-1 at home to Vumbachikwe can only manage 69 points even if they win all their remaining matches.

Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino was over the moon following his team’s promotion which comes seven years after they were demoted from the Premiership.

“I would like to thank God for making this possible and I would also like to extend my gratitude to the players, technical staff, the management as well as the fans for making this possible.

“We are now focusing on preparations for the big league and we will start in earnest by giving other players who did not get the chance to play because we wanted continuity. Therefore, we want to give them a chance to see if they are good enough for the big league,” he said.
Gweru will once again have a Premiership outfit a year after busmen Hardbody were relegated at the end of the 2012 season.

Hippo Valley are now on 60 points, a good 13 points ahead of second placed Mutare City following an impressive campaign in which they have lost only twice.

The race in the northern region is still on with ZPC Kariba leading the race on 59 points seven ahead of second placed Twalumba and Mushowani Stars who are on 52 points.