Wenslus Murape
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE coach who won the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title with Simba Bhora, Tonderai Ndiraya, says he at some point feared he would be sacked during the 2023 season, which was a difficult time for him despite building what seemed to be 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, having finished two points above relegation, which was way below expectation.
This season, the former DeMbare gaffer managed to change the team’s fortunes and guided the team 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” opened up on the ordeal.
“The support of the management was key,” he said.
“We must admit that last year, there was a time that I felt l should and could have been sacked because of poor results.”
He added: “Things were not really going well for us and for me as a coach, but the management stood by me, gave me support and they were truly rewarded this year by what happened. It was an interesting season, but a very difficult one and 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.”
For this year’s Soccer Stars of the Year finalists, the champions provided five of the 11 players.
The five who were named among the best 11 footballers of the 2024 season were Blessing Moyo, Isheanesu Mauchi, Tymon Machope, Walter Musona and Webster Tafa.
Their captain, Musona, bagged the Soccer Star of the Year award after a stellar campaign, which saw him find the back of the net 10 times.
It was his second gong, having 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.
“I don’t like singling out players, but I think there were players who were very key to us the whole season,” said Ndiraya.
“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 very 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.”
After years of struggling, Ndiraya finally reached the pinnacle of Zimbabwean football, 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 had been particularly tumultuous, marked by multiple dismissals and subsequent rehirings. Despite these challenges, Ndiraya persevered.
His 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. His contract was not renewed. He then joined Ngezi Platinum, leading the newcomers to the Chibuku Super Cup victory and a berth in the CAF Confederation Cup.
But 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.
Online Reporter
