By Patience Gondo
BEITBRIDGE Arsenal Football Club Supporters will on Saturday 30 May, hold a peaceful victory parade and celebrations .
The association was granted permission by officer in charge Zimbabwe Republic Police Beitbridge urban chief inspector Ndlovu on Thursday.
According to a letter dated May 28, addressed to the Officer in Charge of Beitbridge Urban Police, the supporters sought police approval to stage a procession and gathering at NMB Leisure Centre in celebration of Arsenal F.C..
In the letter signed by M. Nhire on behalf of the association, he said the celebrations would begin at Players Nite Club in Mashakada at 1200 hours before supporters proceed to MB Leisure Centre for the main festivities.
Nhire assured police that the event would be strictly attended by Arsenal supporters.
“An internal disciplinary committee had already been put in place to maintain order during the celebrations,” Nhire said.
“Police officers are also requested to attend this noble event which is only football related,”
The planned parade comes amid growing excitement among Arsenal supporters following the club’s reported English Premier League triumph, a feat that would mark the North London side’s first league title in 22 years.
According to reports, Arsenal last lifted the English top flight crown during the famous 2003/04 Invincible campaign under legendary French manager Arsène Wenger.
After the club had completed an entire league season unbeaten an achievement still regarded as one of the greatest in English football history.
For years after that historic triumph, Arsenal endured periods of decline, managerial instability and repeated near misses in the title race, leading many rival supporters to mock the club for failing to return to its former heights.
Under Spanish however coach Mikel Arteta, Arsenal gradually rebuilt into serious contenders through a project focused on youth development, tactical discipline and aggressive attacking football.