adminwell in the league next year as they seek to bring back Premiership football to Mashonaland Central.
Jumbo Giants last played in Division One in 2009 and were relegated but they have clawed their way back, and this time the club believes they will consolidate their place in the second tier.
The clubs were speaking on the sidelines of the Champions of Champions tournament, sponsored by Zifa president Cuthbert Dube, which featured the top two teams in Mashonaland Central Province Division Two A and Two B.
JMC Academy, finished first in the Division 2A ahead of Shamva Gold Mine, while Jumbo Giants were Division 2A champions after edging Zimasco.
Shamva-based JMC Academy won the Champions of Champions tournament beating Jumbo Giants 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 stalemate.
The Zifa president, through his company Buymore Investments, also rewarded the Division One finalists with prize money for gaining promotion into Division One.
Jumbo Giants, owned by Mazowe Metallon Gold Company, believe they will have fruitful stint and coach Tafadzwa Chidhakwa is ready for the tough life in Division One.
“It was so difficult as there was stiff competition from Zimasco in our Division 2B and we managed to win by a one-point margin.
“Our aim is to survive in the first year and then take a go at the big one the following year.
“We have experienced players who have played in Division One before as well as Under-19 players who have been called to the national team Under-20 trials before.
“Players such as goalkeeper Tichaona Madzokere, Douglas Tsiga, Tafadzwa Chimoyo and club’s top scorer Edward Musaka – who scored 21 goals – were some of our outstanding players and we hope they to play well in the Division One,” said Chidhakwa.
JMC Academy coach James Petros said they were ready for the challenge ahead.
“When we started our maiden campaign this season, we were underdogs and lost some matches but then we started winning and realised we could fight for the title.
“We are not going there to add numbers but to compete.
“We will not put ourselves under pressure and the youngsters will go into the league to enjoy football.
“Our players are 20-years-old and below and we only have three players above 25 years.
“Our striker Oscar Gandari finished as the Province’s top goal scorer after he scored 32 goals and is one of the players to watch in Division One,” said Petros.
Meanwhile, Zifa Mashonaland Central Province chairman Maxwell Pfumo, commended Dube for leading efforts in cleaning the image of football, which has been dogged by corruption.
“We commend the Zifa president for assisting our province and everyone can see that today is a football day and the teams and fans all came up prepared to enjoy the game of football.
“I have a vision whereby this league would one day be vibrant with sponsorship,” said Pfumo.
Online Reporter