Chipembere back into the premiership

become the first team from the four national division one leagues to be promoted into the Premiership.
Yesterday, the club secretary Roy Svovanapasi and coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera were full of praise for the team which had been playing in the unfashionable league for the past three years as they found it diffi­cult to make their way back into the top-flight league.
Chipembere’s last dance with the Premiership was back in 2008 when Droment Chirova guided the team into the league.
Saruchera attributed the success to the combination of experienced play­ers such as goalkeeper Britto Gwere, Brighton Chandisaita and Lazarus Muhoni and young players like Martin Mine and Lot Chiunga.
“The campaign was okay, all the teams were geared and all the matches were tough but we had a strong side with experienced players and young players who all added value to the team.
“I cannot single out matches which were really tough for us but the 0-2 defeat to Flame Lily gave us a good les­son while the away match to ZPC Kariba was one of our toughest but best game.
“This is my first time to be pro­moted with Rhinos and we are look­ing forward to play in the PSL. We will add value in the league and not com­ing to add numbers. We are a big club and we are here to stay.
“The club belongs to the Premier­ship and used to be one of the biggest clubs. We thank our sponsor, Savanna, who helped and supported us,” said Saruchera.
The secretary said the executive has made a commitment to ensure that the club is well catered for to strengthen their position in the Pre­miership.
“Everyone at the club is happy and we would like to thank our patron Lieutenant General army com­mander Phillip Valerio Sibanda. He gave us support and they were help­ing us and Savanna Tobacco came at the right time. Things were a bit dif­ficult for us in the second half of the season and we hope our marriage with them will grow.
“Our executive of chairman Den­nis Madanhi, vice chairperson Elliot Piki and the other members we were working as a team and all our away matches every member would go we were united.
“We would also like to thank the technical team headed by Saruchera, Tutani (Arthur) and Ndega Matsika. The first two games we drew and our supporters were losing hope but we stood by them as they were molding the team ,” said Svovana­pasi.     
Northern Region
P    W    D    L    F    A    Pts
Black Rhinos    27    19    5    3    43    13    62
DStv Rangers    27    15    6    6    36    18    51
Power Master    27    14    7    6    39    22    49
Twalumba    27    12    11    4    40    19    47
ZPC Kariba    27    13    8    6    34    20    27
Flame Lily    27    12    9    6    30    16    45
Banket    27    9    9    11    26    32    36
DC Academy    27    8    9    10    17    21    33
Skylink    27    7    10    10    26    23    31
JMC    27    8    7    12    26    31    31
Jumbo Giants    27    7    9    11    25    38    30
Scoatia    27    6    11    10    28    33    29
Mwana Africa    27    7    6    14    20    44    27
Eiffel Flats    27    6    7    14    20    36    25
Blue Jets    27    6    9    12    20    32    24
Aces Acade    27    3    5    19    13    45    14