AUCKLAND Queens stormed into the National Women’s Soccer League in style after winning their promotional play-off matches at Redcliff Sports Club yesterday. FROM MIKE MADYIRA IN TORWOOD
The play-offs that were played in a round-robin format saw relegated Chipembere officially losing their top flight league post to the Northern Region runners-up who became the league’s 12th team.
The Bindura side first dispatched Hwange Ladies 2-0 through goals from captain Mavis Chirandu and Bridget Maguruvanda before overturning a one goal deficit to edge Chipembere Queens in their final match.
Chipembere had begun their day on a sound note after Margie Kavhinga and Pamela Bvochora’s second half strikes had helped them upstage Hwange 3-1 in their first match.
But Auckland deservedly claimed their elite league berth with the maverick Chirandu and Vimbai Gwangure strikes sinking Chipembere who had taken an early lead through Bvochora.
With Courage “Shakira” Mandimandi complementing Chirandu in midfield, Auckland’s victory was obvious through disciplined play. Auckland coach Jerrmike Gumbo revelled in the victory saying they are getting into the top-tier league to stay.
“It was a long journey and now the task is to ensure our stay in the league. We will try to craft a competitive team that will give a strong challenge to all teams,” Gumbo said.
Chipembere coach Sama Musekiwa vowed a quick return to the top-flight league.
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“We lost but that is football. We missed a lot of chances but we played well. We will come back,” said Musekiwa.
