Lloyd Mwale in CHEGUTU
CHEGUTU Pirates can now feel the luxury of paradise.
The club, which is affectionately known as Zaire or Dzinza, moved within three points of winning a ticket into the domestic Premiership.
They edged overnight leaders Black Mambas 1-0 to take over leadership of the race into the Premiership.
On a decisive weekend in the races for Premiership places, Tenax marked their return as Bikita Minerals and Wangu Mazodze, who were the favourites, wilted under pressure.
The Pirates have one foot in the PSL and have all the aces.
They could even lose their final game, against Herentals Under-20, and still be crowned champions, should Black Mambas fail to win their last game.
The Pirates will be at home again in what should be another historic day for this town and its football club.
A goal by gangling defender, Gibson Gaison, in the 65th minute, powered the Pirates to victory.
It was his first goal of the season.
The now defunct Chegutu clubs, Elvington “Mutosvora” Mine, tried to gain promotion into the then Super League only to falter at the last hurdle.
Lulu “Bvanyangu” Rovers also tried their best but failed in a play-off against Zimbabwe Saints, Border Strikers and Tongogara.
Pirates coach, Day Gutu, said:
“The feeling is really unbelievable,” he told H-Metro,
“In the beginning, no one gave us a chance but we endured.
“The race is not for the swift but for those who can endure and look, here we are, one step away from promotion.
“The journey has not been easy but here we’re knocking on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.”
He added:
“I would like to thank all our fans from everywhere. They have been with the boys all along and I urge them to throng Pfupajena Stadium for our next and last fixture against Herentals Under-20.”