It’s been a week of celebration for all involved with Chesham United after they clinched the Pitching In Southern League Premier South title on Monday.
The Generals have enjoyed a solid campaign which has seen them lose just five of their 38 League games so far, conceding 37 goals along the way.
Establishing himself as a reliable and popular last line of defence over the course of the season is Zaki Oualah.
The Algerian custodian joined the club at the start of the season from Weymouth and has played his part in the success.
“I am very proud to win the League with this club,” he told us. “It’s full of great people and it’s exciting to have been part of a team that’s going to be remembered in the club’s history.
“There were a few different places I could have ended up this season, but I’m really happy that Micheal Murray brought me in and persuaded me to choose Chesham!”
So, what have been the key factors in the club’s success over the course of the campaign.
“I think one of the key factors has been the consistency and experience of the management, staff and players,” he added. “I think the average age of our squad is something like 27 years old, so it’s a team full of players with plenty of know-how.
“JD and Muzza also know the League very well and have managed the group exceptionally well, setting us up tactically as well as analysing our opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
“Personally, I feel I have had a solid season; our target from the start was to get promotion and keep 20 clean sheets, we’ve managed to get promoted and keep 18 clean sheets so far - four games left to get at least two more!
“I have won the play-offs before with Farnborough back in 2017, but I think winning the title this season has been a more satisfying feeling. It was also great to reach the first round of the FA Cup too earlier in the season.
“I’d say there are four stand-out moments for me this season. Firstly, getting to the first round of the FA Cup by saving a penalty in extra-time against Braintree Town. Then there was travelling away to Plymouth Parkway with a cancelled train, delayed train, a trespasser on the train track and finally train signal faults, which all meant that as a team we turned up at 4.15pm and lost the game 4-0!
“Thirdly, the 13-game unbeaten run where we only conceded five goals to bounce back from that Plymouth game, shows the togetherness and determination of the team and then finally it was the title-clinching win at Harrow Borough.
“It was a great turn-out from the Chesham supporters with some fantastic celebrations! The fact that is has been Ramadan whilst we won the league just made it that little bit more special.
“The boys celebrated late into the night on Monday and the following day. There are more celebrations to come, but not until after the final game as we still want to finish the season strongly and get as many points on the board as we can.”
A home encounter with promotion hopefuls, Salisbury, is on the agenda for Saturday.
IMAGE: Chesham United FC
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