Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN Inn have fired their technical team bringing in Tonderai Ndiraya to steer the ship to success.
After enduring a frustrating 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, Chicken Inn have overhauled the bench, sacking long serving and championship-winning Joey Antipas for reigning Coach of the Year , who has been quick to turn to his trusted assistant, Naison Muchekela.
Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube is the club’s nominee for second assistant.
Muchekela took over the position of first assistant coach from Philani Mabhena and Ncube, a former Bantu Rovers player and Dulivadzimu coach, replaces Guide Goddard.
Zimpapers Sports Hub, has it on good authority that all the members who were initially part of the Gamecocks technical department, goalkeepers coach Energy Murambadoro, medical team members Wayson Mpala, Joseph Magura and team manager Sikhumbuzo Banda have been frozen out.
They were reportedly notified of the development through personal letters amid revelations by the club president Lifa Ncube that some might come back.
“It was a bold but painful decision to make,” said Lifa.
“It was all in an effort to try and re-energise our technical team. We have had Joey Antipas for so many years, he has been a member of our family for long and it was really hard for us to make the decision we have.
“But look, we survived relegation on the last day in the just ended season so this is a renewal process. It’s not that Joey Antipas failed, he did his best…
“We are not saying he was incompetent but his experience in the game helped us a lot hence we survived relegation,” Lifa said.
The Gamecocks supremo also mentioned that there are not yet done with their technical team recruitment exercise.
“We are done with the top three, which we announced today (yesterday). We are still to conclude the rest. In short, there are others that are coming,” added the Chicken Inn boss.
In a statement released yesterday morning, through their media department, Chicken Inn said Ndiraya has signed a three-year contract and other members will be announced in due course.
At Gamecocks, Ndiraya brings a proven top-flight experience and strong tactical leadership.
“The technical team is tasked with implementing a clear football philosophy focused on structure, intensity, discipline and results while supporting player development and team cohesion.
“Chicken Inn welcomes the new technical team and calls on supporters and stakeholders to rally behind the club as it embarks on a new chapter,” said the Gamecocks in a statement. —@FungaiMuderere
Ndiraya was fired by Ngezi Platinum before joining DeMbare who went on to fire him for not meeting the desired targets. He then joined Simba Bhora, got it “right” in his second attempt before moving to Scottland where he won the league on his first attempt. When one looks at Ndiraya’s situation one sees that it isn’t Ndiraya’s capabilities that propelled him. It was the glut of resources that were at his disposal. With standard or meagre resources to work with, Ndiraya isn’t a brilliant coach. If Chicken Inn doesn’t throw loads of resources into the team, including funds to buy the best players, I can bet my last Zig, Ndiraya will not last the season.