adminThe army side was promoted following their 1-0 victory against ZPC Kariba on Saturday to become the first team from the four national division one leagues to be promoted into the Premiership.
On Monday, the club secretary Roy Svovanapasi and coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera who steered his former team into the Premiership for the first time, were full of praise for the team which had been playing in the unfashionable league for the past three years.
Chipembere’s last dance with the Premiership was back in 2008 when Droment Chirova guided the team into the league.
Saruchera said the combination of experienced players such as goalkeeper Britto Gwere, Brighton Chandisaita and Lazarus Muhoni and young players like Martin Mine and Lot Chiunga helped the team to win promotion into the elite league.
“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 by Flame Lily gave us a good lesson while the away match to ZPC Kariba was one of our toughest but best games.
“This is my first time to be promoted with Rhinos and we are looking forward to playing in the PSL. We want to warn PSL teams that we are not just coming to the league to add numbers but to compete. 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 us and supported us,” said Saruchera.
The secretary Svovanapasi said he would ensure that the club is well catered for and remains in the Premiership.
“We don’t want to go back to Division One because it’s difficult to come from there. We have to add four or five good players as a priority. We have to talk to our sponsors.
Army is for the people so it is a people’s team.
“Rhinos used to be a good team with players like Stix and Sinyo and we used to be a team to reckon with and we used to be feared playing against the likes of Morroco’s Casablanca,” said Svovanapasi.
He said all at the club were happy and were grateful to their patron, army commander Lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda.
“Our executive of chairman Dennis Madanhi, vice- chairperson Elliot Piki and the other members worked as a team.
“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 moulding the team,” said Svovanapasi.
Results
Northern Region: Aces 0, Power Master 2; DStv Rangers 2, JMC Academy 0; Twalumba 3, Mwana Africa 0; Flame Lily 3, Jumbo Giants 0; Eiffel Flats 1, Skylink 0; Black Rhinos 1, ZPC Kariba 0; DC Academy 1, Scoatia 1; Blue Jets 1, Banket United 2.
Central Region: MSU FC 1, Airstars FC 1; Blanket Mine 0, Strikers FC 2; New Zimsteel 2, FC Platinum Under-19 1; Hwahwa 1, Silo United 1; Jessie Mine 3, Town United 4; Chrome Stars 2, Vumbachikwe 1; Tripple 0, Chapungu 0.
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Online Reporter