Balga SC has completed a remarkable return to State League Division One.
Balga SC has secured promotion to Football West State League Division One with a commanding 3–0 victory over Rockingham City in Saturday’s Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. Goals from David Dimola, Jose Zuniga and substitute Samir Ramos sealed the victory and sparked unforgettable scenes as players, supporters, former players and long-standing members of the Balga community celebrated a historic achievement.
For Balga, this is more than simply a promotion. It marks the club’s return to the second tier of Western Australian football for the first time since 1997. After almost three decades, Balga is going back to Division One.
A FINAL TO REMEMBER
Rockingham City started strongly, but Balga gradually settled into the contest and began to impose its style on the game. On 13 minutes, Jose Zuniga found Ivwananji Simbile on the right, with Simbile’s low cross finding David Dimola at the back post. Dimola made no mistake, giving Balga a 1–0 lead. Balga continued to create opportunities and went into half-time ahead, despite Rockingham having chances of their own.
The second half belonged to Balga.
On the hour mark, Zuniga stepped up for a free kick just outside the penalty area and produced a superb finish into the top corner, giving Balga a 2–0 lead.
Then, with 13 minutes remaining, substitute Samir Ramos put the result beyond doubt. Zuniga again provided the opening, finding Ramos in space on the left. The substitute used his pace and quick feet to break into the box before calmly finishing past the Rockingham goalkeeper.
Three goals. A clean sheet. Promotion secured.
Balga SC were going back to Division One.
FROM NINE POINTS TO PROMOTION
The achievement is even more remarkable when considering where Balga’s season stood only months ago. When Amir Dzamastagic took over as head coach midway through the season, Balga had collected just nine points from its opening nine matches. The immediate objective was simple: keep the club in the league. What followed was a remarkable turnaround.A number of players departed following the change in coaching structure, creating an opportunity for players from Balga’s Reserves and Under-18 programs to step forward. They did exactly that.
Alongside the players who remained, the emerging group embraced a new playing philosophy and helped establish a different culture around the senior team. The results followed.
Week by week, Balga built momentum, confidence and belief. What began as a fight to remain in the league ultimately became a push towards promotion.
And on Saturday, that journey reached its extraordinary conclusion.
A CLUB-WIDE ACHIEVEMENT
While the players deservedly took centre stage on Saturday, the significance of the achievement extends far beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch. For President Ken Shorto, the committee, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, junior players, former players and everyone who contributes to Balga SC, this promotion represents years of work and commitment.
Head coach Amir Dzamastagic paid tribute to everyone who had played a part, while making it clear that the achievement belonged first and foremost to the players. He also acknowledged Jimmy Taneski for his support during a difficult period and recognised the contribution of the club’s wider football community. Perhaps the most powerful moment came after the final whistle, when long-time Balga supporters, former players and club members celebrated alongside the current squad.
After 29 years, Balga was finally going back.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Balga SC’s promotion is not simply the end of a season. It is the beginning of a new chapter. The club will now prepare for life in State League Division One, returning to a level of football it has not competed in since 1997.
But before the planning begins, there is a moment to enjoy. A moment for the players who delivered it. A moment for the coaches and volunteers who supported them. A moment for the supporters who have waited almost three decades. And a moment for everyone who has ever pulled on the green and black.
Balga SC are going back to Division One.
All photographs used in this article are courtesy of Football West. All applicable image rights remain with the respective copyright holders.