Massive celebrations in Dedza: Young Saints earn promotion to Malawi Super League

There were massive celebrations at Dedza Stadium and the entire Dedza town on Saturday, February 21, 2015 as Dedza Young Soccer Saints earned automatic promotion into the TNM Super League after thumping Dowa United 5-0 in a match played before a huge crowd at Dedza Stadium.

This is the first time in history for a team from Dedza district to be promoted into the country’s elite league and the mood amongst the
local fans and citizens after the game told the whole story.

Hero of the afternoon was striker Davie ‘Villa’ Balaka, who scored four goals for Dedza Young Soccer after midfielder Willard Dickson had
his penalty saved by Dowa goalkeeper in the opening moments.

Chisomo Gillion claimed the other goal for Dedza, who had to win against Dowa to shrug-off the threat from their title rivals Support Battalion. Battalion, who were away at Wimbe United were looking for full points while praying that Dedza drop points against Dowa but thatturned out to be a pipe dream as the soldiers were held to a nil-all draw by their hosts.

The result at Wimbe means Dedza, who were two points ahead of Support Battalion would have still being crowned champions even if they had failed to get a point against Dowa.

With the win, Dedza have wrapped up the title with 89 points from 38 games and Support trail them with 85 points from the same number of
games.

“Coach Millias Jegwe Pofera did not hide his excitement after the whistle: “This is history in the making. I am very excited because nothing like this has happened to a team from Dedza. After a marathon of 38 games, we will now go for a two or three week rest before reassembling for Super League preparations,” said Jegwe.

His Dowa counterpart Joseph Kaunda accepted the defeat and wished Dedza the best of luck as they start a new lease of life in the elite
league.

“We accept the loss. My boys are not used to playing at a big stadium like this and before a hostile crowd. They were intimidated by the atmosphere and we simply did not play our game. My congratulations to Dedza and we wish them well as they begin a new life in the TNM Super League,” said Kaunda.

Apart from Central Region Football Association officials, the game also attracted the attention of outgoing Super League of Malawi (Sulom) treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda, who drove all the way from Blantyre to watch the action.

Sharing is caring!