Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, ,[email protected]
FORMER Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya admits emotions will inevitably come into play when his current side, Chicken Inn, take on the defending champions at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday, but insists sentiment will not stand in the way of pursuing maximum points.
The fixture marks Ndiraya’s first meeting with Scottland since leaving the club after guiding them to league glory last season, a title that further cemented his reputation as one of the country’s top tacticians.
Now in charge of Chicken Inn, Ndiraya finds himself preparing to outwit a side he still holds in high regard.
“It’s my former team and a team that gave me my second title as a coach. Not just mine, but some of the working staff that are here too, so it’s going to be an emotional one because of the history between us and them.
“It’s a team that I respect. It’s a team sponsored by Honourable Scott Sakupwanya, a man who has done a lot for Zimbabwean football. Meeting them at this time of the season is something that I cherish,” said Ndiraya.
While the reunion narrative is set to dominate the build-up, Ndiraya’s focus remains firmly on improving Chicken Inn’s league standing.
The Gamecocks head into the tie sitting 10th on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with 18 points from 13 matches, while Scottland FC occupy third position with 22 points and remain firmly in the title race.
Having suffered defeat at Mandava Stadium in their previous outing, Chicken Inn will be eager to respond in front of their home supporters.
Ndiraya believes that facing a side packed with quality players presents the ideal challenge for his squad.
“I am here at Chicken Inn now and the goal really is to compete and take advantage of playing at home and get something out of this game. We know they have quality in every department. As a coach it’s always a challenge to face such a side, but this is a challenge we are looking forward to. It’s an important match for us,” he said.
The veteran coach revealed that his players initially struggled to come to terms with last weekend’s defeat, but says attention has now fully shifted to the high-profile clash.
“We are preparing and preparing very well with the boys. Of course the boys were a bit down after the defeat at the weekend, but we have since spoken to them about the importance of this coming fixture. It’s an important game for us playing at home. It is important for the players to forget about what happened at Mandava Stadium and put all their focus on this game,” said Ndiraya.
Chicken Inn, however, will have to navigate the encounter without several key players. Midfielder Francis Mustafa has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Brendon Rendo, George Majika and Brighton Makopa remain on the road to recovery. Despite these setbacks, all eyes will be on Ndiraya as he comes face to face with the club where he enjoyed one of the defining chapters of his coaching career.
