Kpando Heart of Lions has been crowned champions of the 2022/23 Access Bank Division One League Zone 3, after a dominant season, Salifu Fatawu's side lose just four league matches.

The Kpando-based Club sealed qualification to the Premier League, with four games to spare, 8 years after the team suffered relegation.

The Champions trashed A5 Rences in a coronation match at the Kpando Sports Stadium 2:0 to add icing on the cake.

Captain of Kpando Heart of Lions, Dickson Sakabutu, converted a spot kick in the dying minutes of the first half, breaking the virginity of the game. 

Mustapha Yakubu deepened the woes of A5 Rences after netting in the 88th minute, leaving the scoreline at 2:0.

Kpando Heart of Lions scored 35 goals in 26 games, losing only 4 matches with 2 draws and 20 wins. 

A win over A5 Rences stretched the gap between them and second-placed Vision FC to 22 points, as they lead the Access Bank Divine One Zone 3 League table with 62 points. 

The Kpando-based club, therefore sealed qualification to the Premier League with four fixtures left to play and were crowned champions of the 2022/23 season.

The team was presented with a trophy and a cheque of GH¢50,000, while the players and technical team were decorated with medals.

Elated Sakabutu Dickson attributed their qualification to hard work, determination, and periodic improvement. 

He appreciated the support of the team and was thankful to God for guiding them to achieve their ultimate objective for the season.

The President of Kpando Heart of Lions, Dr Randy Abbey, is optimistic the team would make an impact in the Premier League next season.

He said the entire team would be rejuvenated in preparation for top-tier football.

"We intend to stay [in the Premier League], so we will do all the things necessary to lift up the club to improve on all sides. I mean the playing body, the management, infrastructure, everything.

"We will try and work extremely hard to improve on all sides and expect that we will be able not just stay in the Premier League, but also make an impact," he said.

The Board Chairman of Kpando Heart of Lions, Eric Kutortse, disclosed plans to rehabilitate the Kpando Sports Stadium into a 5000-sitting capacity facility to enable it to meet the standard of a Premier League venue.

The fans were excited about the development, as they have been presented with the opportunity to enjoy premier league football, which comes with its economic benefits.