mbulelo smpofu
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
THE 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League winning coach with Simba Bhora Tonderai Ndiraya says he at some point feared he would be sacked during the 2023 season which was a difficult campaign for him despite having built what seemed a formidable side on paper.
Ndiraya took over the hot seat at the Shamva-based outfit in 2023 following their promotion to the top-flight division and finished two points above relegation which was way below expectation.
This season, however, the former DeMbare gaffer managed to change fortunes around, guiding the Go Buju Go Boys to their maiden league title.
Ndiraya was rightfully named the 2024 Coach of the Year during the Soccer Stars banquet that was held in Harare on Friday evening.
Speaking after his crowning moment, “Stanza” said he could have been fired at some point but the club management stood by him.
“The support of the management was key. We must admit that last year, there was a time that I felt I should have been sacked because of poor results. Things were not going well for us and me as a coach, but the management stood by me, and gave me support, and they were truly rewarded this year by what happened and what we got in the end.
“It was an interesting season but a very difficult one but I think what really helped us was our home record. Out of the 17 matches that we played at home, we only lost once. And, the one game that we lost was after we were confirmed champions so that really pushed us to the limit to get what we got,” said Ndiraya.
In this year’s Soccer Stars of the Year finalists, the champions provided five of the 11 players.
The five players who were named among the best 11 footballers of the 2024 season are Blessing Moyo, Isheanesu Mauchi, Tymon Machope, Walter Musona and Webster Tafa.
Captain Musona also bagged the Player of the Year award after a stellar campaign that saw him find the back of the net 10 times. It was his second gong having also won the award in 2022 in the books of FC Platinum.
Musona edged Highlanders striker Lynoth Chikuhwa and Yadah Stars poster boy Khama Billiat for this year’s award.
Ndiraya said the five players who made the best 11, alongside others were instrumental to their title win.
“I don’t like singling out players but I think there were players who were very key to us the whole season. Look at Walter Musona, the captain, and the Soccer Star of the Year. He was very instrumental, he helped us to get so many good results in all the matches that we played.
“Tymon Machope, Isheanesu Mauchi, Webster Tafa, Blessing Moyo and then of course some who were not mentioned today, Vasili Kawe, and Chipunza, you can name them. They all did well, they all helped us to get where we are today so I really want to pay tribute to them.
“Our fans were very key as well. In every match that we played at Wadzanai Stadium, the ground was full to capacity so the fans helped create that atmosphere, not just intimidating but it was electric,” said Ndiraya.
He added: “That really helped us to get results even in matches that I felt were difficult and we would probably not get results. They were there to cheer us up in good and bad times.”
After years of struggling, Ndiraya finally achieved, securing the elusive league championship.
The victory silenced any lingering doubts about his tactical prowess and marked a significant milestone in his career.
Ndiraya’s journey to success has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with both triumphs and setbacks. His coaching career with Dynamos has been particularly tumultuous, marked by multiple dismissals and subsequent rehirings.
Despite these challenges, Ndiraya has persevered, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a deep-seated passion for the sport.
Ndiraya’s first stint as Dynamos’ assistant coach ended in 2008 due to disagreements with head coach Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe. Five years later, he faced a similar fate under Kalisto Pasuwa’s leadership.
In 2014, Ndiraya returned to Dynamos as assistant coach under David Mandigora. After Mandigora’s departure, Ndiraya guided the team to a strong finish in the 2015 season. However, his contract was not renewed.
Ndiraya then joined Ngezi Platinum, leading the newcomers to the Chibuku Super Cup victory and a berth in the Caf Confederations Cup. However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2018 due to poor results.
In 2019, Ndiraya returned to Dynamos for a third stint, this time as head coach, assisted by Biggie Zuze and Gift Muzadzi.
Despite past setbacks, Ndiraya’s determination and expertise have ultimately led him to success, culminating in Simba Bhora’s 2024 league championship victory. – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter
