Newly promoted topflight side, Agama FC head coach Paul Chimalizeni, who is flying high in spirits after guiding the club to Champion of Champions Cup glory following a 1-0 victory over cash-rich Hardrock FC in the final, values the victory as a testament that the club did not lift the Northern Region Soccer League title by accident.
Nicknamed Chipopopo, Chimalizeni stepped into the Mt Darwin-based side from Kwekwe United midway through the season, taking over the reins from Arthur Tutani, who resigned under unclear circumstances.
Chimalizeni took over a side that was trailing title rivals N'ombeyaora FC, who dominated the log table for the better part of the season.
His presence was heavy and the impact was instant as Agama went for 24 games unbeaten, including a crucial victory over N'ombeyaora away — a result that put Agama just a point behind the leaders.
Agama continued to pile on pressure with their eyes glued on topflight promotion, remaining a point shy of N'ombeyaora until the final match of the season.
As drama unfolded on the last day with fixtures played simultaneously, all odds were against Agama sealing the topflight ticket.
League officials had transported the NRSL trophy to Ngoni Stadium in Norton where N'ombeyaora were playing away to underdogs MWOS U19, assuming the Scott Sakupwanya-owned side had already completed the task.
Unexpectedly, Chimalizeni and company left the football community baffled and league officials red-faced after his side powered to a resounding 4-0 win over FC Oden to grab the topflight ticket from the jaws of N'ombeyaora, who succumbed to a shock 1-0 defeat.
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This marked a historic achievement for Agama as the 2026 Northern Region topflight representatives, unlocking the dream for the people of Mt Darwin, who have never experienced Premier Soccer League action before.
In Chimalizeni’s view, consistent winning and the victory over N'ombeyaora were the key drivers behind their league success.
“We just managed not to lose any of our games, home and away,” he said.
“I knew they would falter because by winning we were putting pressure on them.
“And when we beat N'ombeyaora at their home ground, that’s when we won it. It serves as a big motivation for us and proved we really wanted the championship.”
Asked if he ever imagined winning the title, he said: “Yes, because with football it’s not over until it’s over — that was our motto. We fought till the end and we never lost hope.”
Chimalizeni believes lifting the championship presented a perfect platform to prove he is a good coach worthy of recognition.
“It shows that I’m a good coach who can win with any team, so it’s a great achievement, though it’s not my first time,” he said. “My experience played a part.”
While topflight promotion celebrations were still ongoing, Chimalizeni struck gold again when Agama lifted the Champion of Champions Cup — a tournament featuring all four regional champions across Zimbabwe.
Agama secured a narrow but important 1-0 victory in the final against cash-rich Central Region champions Hardrock FC.
The victory sent a warning to expect tough competition when Agama rubs shoulders with the big boys in the topflight next season.
Chimalizeni indicated that the success illustrates the depth and ability within the team.
“It shows we are a good team. We did not win the NRSL championship by fluke because we beat teams which are well-resourced,” he said.
“Look here, we beat N'ombeyaora and then in the Champion of Champions we beat Hardrock. That shows we are a force to reckon with.”
Chimalizeni refused to be carried away by the achievements as he now shifts his focus to building a formidable side that will challenge seasoned PSL teams.
“We have a good team that can compete with any team in the Premier League, and with my experience in the premiership, we are okay,” he added.
“My focus is on building a good team which is not just going to make numbers in the PSL, but fight and stay a force to reckon with. People must expect entertaining football.”
Meanwhile, the Mt Darwin community will temporarily be starved of topflight football as their home ground-Pfupa stadium is undergoing renovations. The club will utilise Wadzanai Stadium, home of Simba Bhora FC in Shamva.
