Immig FC caps dream debut season with trophy presentation to immigration chief

NEWLY-PROMOTED Immig FC on Monday presented the FAZ Central Province Division Two Championship Trophy to Japhet Lishomwa after completing a remarkable debut season that saw the side crowned provincial champions and secure promotion to Division One football.

The football club, owned by the Department of Immigration made the presentation at Immigration Headquarters in Lusaka following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over GM Auto of Kabwe in the Football Association of Zambia Central Province Division Two Playoffs Final played on June 20 at Railway Stadium.

The victory completed a historic maiden campaign for Immig FC, which had already secured promotion to Division One after finishing top of Zone A, before going on to claim the overall provincial championship.

Receiving the trophy, Lishomwa described the achievement as a major milestone for the Department of Immigration and congratulated the players, technical bench and club executives for delivering success in the team’s first competitive season.

He said while winning the championship was a significant achievement, the team needed to quickly shift focus towards preparations for next season, warning that Division One football would present a much tougher challenge.

Lishomwa urged the club leadership to accelerate preparations for the official launch of the team while intensifying efforts to attract corporate sponsorship to guarantee long-term sustainability and support future ambitions.

He also commended the interim executive committee for mobilising resources throughout the campaign and noted individuals who played a role in promoting the club through social media and other support platforms.

He said the importance of retaining key players by improving welfare and ensuring the club establishes a strong foundation ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive Division One campaign next season.

Meanwhile, interim club president Kennedy Simenda, who led members of the executive committee during the trophy presentation ceremony, expressed gratitude to management for backing the team throughout its successful first season.