The Mountain Lions secure promotion to the Kurdistan Premier League after a dominant championship season.
The long-awaited dream of a return to the pinnacle of Kurdish football has finally become a reality for the people of Shaqlawa. Following a grueling and highly competitive 2025–2026 campaign, Shaqlawa Sports Club has officially been crowned champions of the Kurdistan First Division, securing their promotion to the prestigious Kurdistan Premier League. The achievement has ignited a wave of celebration throughout the district, marking a new chapter for a club that has long been a pillar of local pride.
The journey to the title was defined by a remarkable display of tactical discipline and consistency. Throughout the season, Shaqlawa established itself as the most formidable force in the league, navigating fifteen matches with an impressive record of ten victories and four draws. Crucial wins against traditional powerhouses such as Erbil and Koya proved to be the turning points of the season, allowing the squad to maintain a commanding lead at the top of the table. Even a narrow 3–2 defeat in their final outing against Duhok on April 18 could not derail their momentum, as the “Mountain Lions” had already mathematically clinched the championship with a week to spare.
The magnitude of this sporting milestone was formally recognized at the highest levels of regional government. Earlier this month, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw hosted a special reception at the governorate headquarters to honor the players, coaching staff, and board members. During the ceremony, the Governor praised the team’s resilience, stating that this victory is more than just a trophy. “This achievement is a testament to the talent and dedication of our youth,” Khoshnaw remarked during the reception. “Shaqlawa SC has shown that with discipline and local heart, there are no limits to what can be achieved on the pitch.”
Club officials were equally emotive about the significance of the win. “We promised our fans that we would bring Shaqlawa back to where it belongs, and today we have kept promise,” a member of the administrative board noted following the trophy presentation. “The Premier League is a different beast, but the spirit of these players is unbreakable. We are not going there just to participate; we are going there to make our mark.”
As the city prepares for its debut in the top flight, the focus now shifts to the daunting challenge of competing against the elite of Kurdish football, including recently crowned Premier League champions Handren SC. While the current squad has shown immense potential, local analysts expect the management to be active in the upcoming transfer window to bolster the roster. For the thousands of fans who have stood by the team through the lower divisions, however, the current moment is one of pure celebration. As one veteran supporter put it while waving the club’s colors, “The lions have been quiet for too long, but now the whole of Kurdistan will hear us roar again.”