Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MABVUKU-based side Ali Sundowns are on cloud nine after earning a ticket to the ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League (Division One).
The Desmund Ali-owned side reached the milestone when they edged rivals Bakers Inn 5-4 via a penalty shoot-out during a promotion playoff match at Harare Polytechnic Grounds on Saturday.
At the end of the day, there were celebrations in Mabvuku, as the team now looks to emulate neighbours Scottland, who recently got promoted to the Premier Soccer League after playing one fairy-tale season in the second tier.
Ali Sundowns needed the slimmest of margins after their promotion play-off match against Bakers Inn had ended in a 1-1 draw.
The two teams qualified for the play-offs as winners of the Harare Province Division 2A and 2B. According to the regulations, they had to battle for the sole ticket to the ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League.
Ali Sundowns’ coach, Richard Matimba, was thrilled with the promotion and is looking forward to competition in the NRSL.
“I am happy with the win. It was a tough match; Bakers Inn are a good team, and our boys managed to contain the pressure,” he said.
He also gave credit to club owner Desmund Ali.
“I am grateful for the support given by Mr. Ali, who always urged us to play good football and win our games, and it was a big motivation for the team.
“Next year we need to fight and survive relegation since it will be our first time against established teams that have been playing at that level for some time,” said Matimba.
This is the first time for Ali Sundowns, since its formation in 2003, to play in the country’s second-tier division one league.
The club’s founder, Ali, was engrossed in celebrating the milestone over the weekend.
“It’s time to just celebrate what has just happened,” he said.
“We have been in football for quite some time, from juniors actually, Division 3 and Division 2, and now we are in the first division.
“We really put in an effort for us to be here. We started with a good pre-season and assembled a very good team and good coaches.
“We played Banket United, CAPS United, Hunters, and Simbisa during our pre-season, and we could tell we were good to go.
“So, we put in effort, and we’re quite happy with the way things turned out.”
However, Ali believes the play-offs format should be reviewed as it is not a true reflection of fair play.
“Unfortunately, one thing I had to go through today, I don’t still believe in this play-off format of promotion.
“You win in a 42-match league game, and then you have to play another game in 90 minutes to decide your fate. Harare has got so many teams.
“We need to correct our structures. Let’s say we have Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, up to Division 7. This Division 2A, 2B maybe is not the right format for doing it because I don’t think it’s fair. In this case, Bakers Inn were also deserving champions,” he said.
ZIFA Harare Province chairman Robert Tembo said Ali Sundowns has the capability of making an impact in Division One.
“Teams that have qualified from our leagues have fared well in Division One, and we wish the trend continues with Ali Sundowns.
“We say congratulations to them and wish them the best,” he said.
