MT DARWIN-BASED side Agama FC are the new kings of the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) after pipping N’ombeyaora to the title on the final day of the season in dramatic fashion.
It was a sweet triumph for Agama, but a heartbreak for N’ombeyaora, who had dominated the log standings for the better part of the campaign before crumbling at the final hurdle.
Agama coach John “Chipopopo” Chimalizeni said belief and resilience carried his team through.
“We never lost hope. We believed in ourselves and kept reminding the boys that it’s not over until it’s over,” he said.
“The lads showed great character and focus. Our dream was to bring Premier Soccer League football to Mt Darwin, and we’ve done it,” he said.
Few saw the twist coming. N’ombeyaora, which had scored 12 goals in their previous two games without conceding, looked odds-on favourites heading into the final weekend. The NRSL officials even took the championship trophy to Ngoni Stadium in Norton, expecting an easy coronation. But football, as they say, is a cruel game. N’ombeyaora were stunned 1–0 by MWOS U19, while Agama FC ruthlessly dispatched FC Oden 4–0 at Kuwadzana Stadium in Banket, forcing league officials into a frantic 120-kilometre dash to deliver the trophy to the new champions.
Star striker Grey Kufandada was the hero of the day, netting all four goals to seal the victory and claim the Golden Boot with 17 goals for the season.
For Agama FC, celebrations are in full swing, but coach Chimalizeni knows a tough test lies ahead.
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“The Premier Soccer League is a different ball game altogether. It’s not for the faint-hearted,” he said.
As for N’ombeyaora, the painful collapse will serve as a harsh reminder that money alone doesn’t win titles, but grit and unity do.
While Agama FC was crowned champions, Chinhoyi Stars FC, Ngezi U19 FC and Ali Sundowns FC were relegated.
Results:
Black Rhinos 0-0 Chinhoyi Stars
PAM FC 2-0 Golden Eagles
Ngezi U19 0-2 Shamva Mine
Ali Sundowns 0-0 Banket United
Cranborne Bullets 0-0 Trojan Stars
Harare City 0-0 Zambezi G & C
Karoi United 0-0 Chegutu Pirates
