Gamecocks back Ndiraya’s title charge

CHICKEN INN coach Tonderai Ndiraya did not hesitate in stating that he is targeting his third title in a row with the Gamecocks, whose overall revamp has also seen the restructuring of the club leadership.

Chicken Inn yesterday announced the restructuring and rebuilding of the brand. Once club president, Lifa Ncube is now the board chairman, with Trevor Jakachira his deputy, Tawengwa Hara legal secretary, audit and compliance board member is Happymore Makovore while former chairman, Juta Tshuma is the member responsible for human capital.

Lisa Sibanda is in charge of finance and women’s football.
Chris Moyo has been assigned to the technical and development portfolio.

The announcement was made just before Ndiraya’s first press conference after joining Chicken Inn. He took time to defend his buying spree that has seen him retain 11 players from last season.

“First, I would like to say I am happy to be here in Bulawayo. I did not think twice about coming here. I have always wished to coach in this region. I am happy to come here and coach in this part of the country. We had to change after seeing how we performed last season because we do not want a repeat of last season’s performance,” said Ndiraya.

He also paid tribute to his predecessor.
“I also want to thank those who hunted me to come and replace a great man in Joey Antipas. It puts weight on my shoulders to replace a coach who has done so much for this team,” he said.

Under Antipas, Chicken Inn won the championship and were runners-up on numerous occasions.
Ndiraya believes his side are ready for the new season.

“We are now looking forward to the competition because we have prepared well,” he said.
The former champions’ coach made it clear that his ambition is to secure a third consecutive league title, having won the previous two championships with Simba Bhora and Scottland respectively.

He has a chance to make more history by winning with Chicken Inn.
“Having won two championships in a row, we are also looking at getting a third, but that will depend on how we prepare. It will also come down to how the players respond to everything thrown at them. It is the pressure we have put on ourselves, especially personally, because I want to go for a third one,” said Ndiraya.

The Gamecocks have undergone significant changes to their playing personnel.
“We are bringing in 60 percent new players and retaining 40 percent of the squad from last season. We have announced some of the players, while some will be unveiled by the club. We felt the club needed to be refreshed. We are hoping the players we have brought in will give us that competitive edge. We do not just want to compete, but we want to compete very well. What happened to the club last season forced us to go into the market. I am happy with the support I have got from my employers, who have given me a blank cheque to get the players that I feel will help the team compete. We have brought in what I think are quality players. The competition will be tough this season, especially if you look at what other clubs are also doing,” said Ndiraya.

In their technical department, the Simbisa Brands-sponsored outfit has also hired Naison Muchekela and Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube as first and second assistant coaches respectively. Muchekela takes over from Philani Mabhena, while Ncube replaces Guide Goddard, who is now with the club’s developmental side as head coach.

The club also brought in former holding midfielder Tafadzwa Raphael Kutinyu as a performance analyst. Zwanayi Kawadza is now the team’s goalkeepers’ coach. He replaced Energy Murambadoro, who is now on the books of Simba Bhora together with Mabhena.

Chicken Inn have confirmed the retention of 11 players from last season’s squad as they seek to rebuild following a difficult campaign. The Gamecocks endured a disappointing 2025 season in which they flirted with relegation, prompting a major squad overhaul during the off-season. Despite the sweeping changes, the club has opted to keep a core group of players as part of their rebuilding process.

Among those retained are goalkeepers Vince Mugande and Bernard Donovan. In defence, the Bulawayo-based side have kept Itai Mabunu, Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Brendon Rendo. The midfield trio of George Majika, Joseph Tulani and Michael Charamba also remain at the club.

Up front, Lynoth Chikuhwa and Brighton Makopa have been retained as Chicken Inn look to sharpen their attacking options heading into the new campaign.

Chicken Inn new signings include Temptation Chiwunga, Taimon Mvula and Vasilli Kawe.
Chicken Inn have confirmed the signing of Tyrese Hikupembe and Ngnowa Hapmo from Namibia.

Chicken Inn sponsors this season include Bakers Inn, Innbucks, Magaya Mining, Chas Everitt International Property Group Zimbabwe, Revive, Active8, H2GO, Edgars Stores, First Mutual Health and Blackshark Protection Services.