ZPC Hwange have clinched the Zifa Southern Region (Divisione One) Soccer League championship and with it claimed a ticket to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The power utility side have wrapped up the title with two matches still to be played this season.
They defeated Indlovu Iyanyathela 3-0 at Chakona in the coal-mining town on Friday while second-placed Casmyn played a goalless draw with Talen Vision in Filabusi to reach 53 points and even winning win their last two games wont get them to ZPC Hwange's 67 points.
Veteran Gerald Ndlovu netted a brace with the other goal for ZPC Hwange coming from Dingani Maphosa.
Club secretary Mehluli Thebe confirmed his side will be joining the elite league if they are declared the champions and are confirmed by the PSL.
"It was a tough journey from the first game up to where we are. We would like to thank the company for supporting us and all the teams in the Southern Region, they gave us a good run with a special mention to the new teams. Mkhokheli Dube's Zebra Revolution brought in a new dimension in the league. They gave us a tough time including improved sides like Mainline. We are now going into the Premier Soccer League, the separation of boys from men," an elated Thebe said.
He added: "We are going into the PSL. ZPC Hwange is a community team. Yes, the company comes in here and there but mostly its the community. They were going to kill us had we not been promoted this time around and they are excited because Hwange is struggling in the PSL and could be relegated. We are coming Highlanders and Dynamos. Those are our four games, if we beat Bosso and DeMbare then we can be relegated."
Zifa Southern Region board member (administration) and spokesperson Blessing Mbwanda said that ZPC Hwange deserve to be promoted.
- ZPC Hwange joins PSL big boys
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"Congratulations to ZPC Hwange. They deserved to be promoted. This has been a long-term project which comes to fruition after a long period. Remember they have been failing to be promoted for three consecutive seasons, being runners-up. This the right time for them to be promoted to the PSL. They worked hard for what they achieved. Congratulations to them. We wish them all the best in the PSL," Mbwanda said.
Casmyn, on 53 points become the runners-up in the league as third-placed Nkayi United is on 45 points.
Mainline, Zimbabwe Saints and Adachi are also eyeing the third spot with 40 points apiece.
In other weekend results for matches played on Saturday, Mainline beat Bosso 90 1-0 while Zimbabwe Saints also edged Ajax Hotspurs 2-1.
Nkayi United dispatched DRC United 3-0 as Zebra Revolution drew 0-0 with Bulawayo City.
Jordan FC collected maximum points after beating Vic Falls City.
