By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
Blackpool 5 Chindwin 0
MUFULIRA Blackpool at the weekend ran rampage to seal promotion to the MTN-FAZ Super Division in spectacular fashion at the expense of Kalulushi Modern Stars in an exciting FAZ Division One North Week 34 encounter against Chindwin Sentries.
Blackpool, who last played in top flight in 1999, needed to score five goals to stand any chance of earning promotion at the expense of Kalulushi, who had enjoyed a superior goal difference over the Mufulira outfit throughout the season, laboured for a 1-0 victory over Ndola United on Sunday.
They join Lumwana Radiants, Kabwe Warriors and Lusaka Tigers as promoted sides from the Division One leagues.
Innocent Mwansa stole the spotlight as he claimed a vital goal in stoppage time that sent Blackpool into the Super League.
With kick-off delayed for 20 minutes owing to the visitors’ late arrival, Blackpool showed no signs of relentless as Charles Chomba and Mwansa did all the magic to deny Kalulushi their immediate return to the elite league.
Chomba opened the flood gates with a 15th minute strike before adding another on 29 minutes to give the home side a two-goal cushion at half time. Mwansa made it 3-0 on 59 minutes while Chomba completed his hat-trick after converting a 78th minute penalty.
With news filtering through that Kalulushi had won 1-0, Blackpool just needed a goal to sail through to the top flight football and it was Mwansa, who provided the much needed goal in the 90th minute, sending the home crowd in wild celebrations.
Coach Weston Mumba praised his side’s fighting spirit during the final match of the season that decided Blackpool’s destiny.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the sponsors for the wonderful support, my players and the entire technical bench for this great achievement. My players’ response this season has been great.
Seven coaches have passed through this team but have failed to take the team to Super Division and I have done it. It was a tough season and hard luck to Kalulushi and FQM. We chased each other from Week One,” said Mumba, who joined Blackpool this season.
Full results: Kitwe United 3 Mine Police 0, Roan United 0 Kansanshi Dynamos 0, Gomes 2 Mining Rangers 0, CB Buffaloes 0 Chambishi 2, Zesco Luapula 3 Indeni 2, Zesco Solwezi 0 Lumwana 1, Kalulushi 1 Ndola 0, FQM v Nakonde (not played).
Division One south: Mongu Youth 1 City of Lusaka 2, Matero United 2 Zesco Shockers 1, Lusaka City Council 0 Prison Leopards 2, Lusaka Tigers 0 Paramilitary 0, Kalomo Jetters 1 Malaiti Rangers 3, Luena
Buffaloes 0 Mumbwa Medics 0, Nampundwe 1 Livingstone Pirates 0, Katete 1 Kabwe Warriors 2, Kafue Celtic 3 Riflemen 0.