daniel chigunwe
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEWLY-CROWNED ZIFA Harare Province Division Two champions Ali Sundowns will receive their trophy and medals in Harare tomorrow afternoon.
The ceremony will be held at Alex Sports Club.
League chairman Robert Tembo has hailed the Mabvuku side, who are affectionately known as Tapi Tapi by their fans, will be joining ZIFA Northern Region Division One league for the first time since their formation, 23 years ago.
Ali Sundowns had the opportunity to join the second-tier league last year after winners Simbisa Brands said they could not take up their slot.
However, Ali Sundowns owner Desmund “Dezola” Ali declined the offer saying he wanted his team to win promotion on merit.
“We had an opportunity for Ali Sundowns to join the Northern Region last year after the first and second-placed sides failed to commit themselves.
“But Ali declined the offer and now that they won the championship they have committed to be part of Division One.
“We are happy that the owner of the team Ali has committed to be part of the Division One championship next year and we are hopeful they will do well.
“Remember last year we gave the slot to Scottland and they have since been promoted into the Premier League.
“We are good at producing good teams and I believe Ali Sundowns will not disappoint.
“We will be honouring our champions and we hope they will represent us well in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One,” said Tembo.
Ali Sundowns who were formed in 2003 as an Academy reached secured promotion when they edged rivals Bakers Inn 5-4 via a penalty shoot-out during a promotion play-off match at Harare Polytechnic Grounds on Saturday.
There were wild celebrations in Mabvuku and the team is now looking at emulating neighbours Scottland, who recently got promoted into the Premier Soccer League.
Online Reporter