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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

AFTER years of striving, experienced coach Tonderayi Ndiraya has finally achieved the pinnacle of Zimbabwean football, securing the elusive league championship. The victory silences any lingering doubts about his tactical prowess and marks a significant milestone in his career.

Simba Bhora players salute fans after winning the 2024 PSL championship

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.

“It’s God’s time,” Ndiraya declared after securing the league title with two games remaining in the season.
“I came close on several occasions. At Ngezi Platinum Stars, I felt we should have won in 2018. At Dynamos in 2022, we could have won if there was peace and unity, but now it’s God’s time.”

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 Chibuku Super Cup victory and a berth in the Caf Confederations 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.

Despite past setbacks, Ndiraya’s determination and expertise have ultimately led him to success, culminating in Simba Bhora’s 2024 league championship victory.

Simba Bhora’s title triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for the club, which narrowly avoided relegation last season. Owner Simba Ndoro’s significant investment in the squad and the refurbishment of Wadzanai Stadium, estimated at over US$200  000, proved pivotal.

They have not lost at the venue this season. A win or draw against FC Platinum this afternoon will ensure an undefeated home record this season. They have won 13 home games and only managed three draws at home.

Tonderayi Ndiraya

When Ndiraya moved to newly promoted Simba Bhora at the beginning of 2023, he acquired a few players, including Partson Jaure and Keith Murera. However, the Shamva-based outfit flirted with relegation for most of their maiden season, finishing 12th and just two points above the drop zone.

That scare prompted club owner Simba Ndoro to open the chequebook to bolster the squad. Several players, including 2022 Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, midfielder Junior Makunike, Mthokozisi Msebe, Malvin Mkolo, and Billy Veremu, were lured to the club. Goalkeepers Talbert Shumba and Taimon Mvula, Gift Saunyama, and Perfect Chikwende also joined the side.

The Shamva-based outfit joins St Paul’s Musami, Ngezi Platinum, and FC Platinum as the only teams outside Harare and Bulawayo to win the Zimbabwean championship. They are also the first Mashonaland Central team to achieve this feat. Ndiraya hopes the club will participate in the Caf Champions League, saying, “From a technical standpoint, we want to compete, but it’s an administrative decision.”

Will Simba Bhora take the African stage by storm? Only time will tell.
@innocentskizoe