SCOTTLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 3
BLACK MAMBAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
SCOTTLAND completed a remarkable turnaround of what looked like a mediocre season to seal Premier League promotion on the first time of asking after beating Black Mambas in their last game of the season at Rufaro Stadium.
A brace from Leeroy Mavhunga and a penalty goal from Ronald Pfumbidzai ensured that the Scott Sakupwanya-owned side, formed at the beginning of the season, finished top of the Northern Region Division One league.
Thousands of Scottland fans invaded the pitch at full-time in celebration, forcing a delay in the presentation of the trophy.
There was drama after Karoi United earlier in the day was said to have withdrawn their appeal against a decision to hand three points to Scottland in their abandoned match. A statement emerged later to the effect that the appeal had not been withdrawn.
The Genesis Mangombe-coached side just needed to overcome Mambas to beat challengers MWOS to the league championships.
In the end, Scottland nicked it with two points ahead of MWOS in what was an intriguing title race.
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The winners were yesterday presented with their trophy in front of thousands of supporters.
Sakupwanya who has promised his players US$10 000 each for winning the league, said he was happy that they managed to achieve the feat.
His associate Wicknell Chivayo has also promised the players cars each for lifting the trophy
Sakupwanya said he was inspired by fellow legislator Innocent Benza who owns Herentals which plays in the Premier Soccer League.
"I want to thank God for this. It wasn't an easy journey but God did it for us. I want to thank honourable Benza he was with me throughout this journey," he said.
"He made me strong. So I just want to say to the team, well done and welcome to the Premier League. I said it when the team was on seventh position on the log that we will finish first and it has come to pass. Everything I do, and even when it looks impossible.I make sure that I make a way. Of course they are a lot of bad talk around us winning this but it shows that we are doing something big. They are people who are complaining, but remember they [MWOS] were 12 points ahead of us at some point and they drew a number matches and for us we won our matches so they shouldn't complain. They must congratulate us. We want to take our football forward and empower our youth."
Scottland chairman Tonderai Sakupwanya attributed the club's success to hardwork.
"We are delighted to win this championship. It has been an extremely long journey with a lot of hardwork, commitment and sacrifice," Tonderai said. "We are glad it ended like this. I attribute all this to our patron [Scott], anything he does, he put all his effort into it. He made sure that Scottland is a success and he made sure that he put resources behind it."
Benza welcomed the newbie to the league. He was charmed by the huge crowd and the vibe that Scottland has brought to local football.
Thousands of supporters, probably the best crowd to watch a football match at Rufaro Stadium this year, attended the game.
"I'm sure this is the biggest and most significant championship race in the history of the Northern Region league. You can look at the numbers and the positive vibe that Scottland is bringing into the premiership. I want to say welcome Scottland to the premiership, a league for the big boys. We are waiting for you and we are very happy. We expect these big numbers. I want to encourage my colleague honourable Scott to continue with his positive sponsorship of football in Zimbabwe."
