By Sports Reporter
Shurugwi FC have stormed their way into the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) Division One after clinching the ZIFA Midlands Division 2A title with a game to spare.
After a dominant campaign that saw them finish seven points clear at the top, the mining town outfit will officially be crowned champions on Sunday following their final match against All Stars Somabula FC.
The club’s rise has united the Shurugwi community, rekindling the town’s deep-rooted passion for football.
Club chairman Godknows Maketo expressed delight at the achievement, saying the team — owned by a group of like-minded individuals passionate about sports development — had silenced its doubters.
“Many thought our project would collapse, but today the whole community is celebrating,” said Maketo.
He revealed that the club already has affiliation fees and player bonuses secured for their Division One campaign, with plans underway to renovate Makusha Stadium to meet league requirements, install a borehole, and strengthen the squad while retaining head coach Edward Phiri.
“We are excited about gaining promotion into Division One. This is a huge achievement for Shurugwi. We last saw Division One football in 2017 when Makusha FC competed in the league, while Nichruit used Ascot Stadium for their Premier Soccer League home games,” he said.
“When we started this project, many people took us for granted. Not many believed we could bring back top-class football to Shurugwi. Now the community is elated. We are already preparing to start renovations at Makusha Stadium, including installing a borehole.”
Maketo said the club, which is community-owned, will maintain the core of its current squad and only add a few experienced players.
“We are not going to bring in many new players. We’ll keep our squad intact and only beef it up with four or five additions. There is abundant talent in Shurugwi, and we will recruit from local teams such as Bethel FC, Chiponjeka FC, and Shurugwi South FC,” he explained.
He confirmed that Coach Edward Phiri, who previously led Makusha FC in Division One, will retain his position alongside his technical team.
Maketo also commended the team’s supporters for maintaining discipline throughout the season.
“I grew up in Shurugwi, which is home to loyal football fans. In the past, artisanal miners gave the town a bad name because of violence, but I want to applaud our fans for their peace and discipline this season. Even when provoked, they never retaliated. As we move into Division One, I urge them to continue saying no to violence and hooliganism — win, lose, or draw,” he said.
Shurugwi FC will receive their championship trophy on Sunday at Makusha Stadium as they host All Stars Somabula. Their promotion marks a new chapter for the ambitious club as they prepare to test themselves among the region’s elite in Division One next season.
