Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
THE drums are beating louder at Luveve as Chicken Inn throw their full weight behind coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who has boldly declared his intention to chase a third straight league title following a sweeping revamp of the club on and off the pitch.
The Gamecocks yesterday unveiled a restructured leadership and a rebuilt technical setup in a clear signal that mediocrity is no longer tolerated after a bruising 2025 campaign that saw the Bulawayo giants flirting with relegation.
In the boardroom, former club president Lifa Ncube now assumes the role of board chairman, deputised by Trevor Jakachira.
Tawengwa Hara takes charge as legal secretary, while Happymore Makovore comes in as audit and compliance board member. Former chairman Juta Tshuma now oversees human capital, with Lisa Sibanda handling finance and women’s football. Chris Moyo has been entrusted with the technical and development portfolio.
The announcement came just before Ndiraya addressed the media for the first time since his return to Bulawayo football. The coach wasted no time in explaining the logic behind a bold recruitment drive that has seen the club retain 11 players from last season while refreshing most of the squad.
“I am happy to be here in Bulawayo. I did not think twice about coming. I have always wished to coach in this region,” said Ndiraya. “We had to change after seeing how we performed last season. We do not want a repeat of that.”
Ndiraya was also quick to salute the man he replaced, Joey Antipas, under whom Chicken Inn won the league title and finished runners-up several times.
“It puts weight on my shoulders to replace a great man who has done so much for this club,” he said.
Fresh from league triumphs with Simba Bhora and Scottland, Ndiraya believes his pedigree gives him the right to dream big again.
“Having won two championships in a row, we are also looking at getting a third. That will depend on preparation and how players respond to pressure. Personally, I want that third one,” he said.
The coach confirmed that close to 60 percent of the squad will be new faces, with 40 percent retained to provide stability.
He revealed that the club backed his recruitment plans fully.
“We were forced into the market by what happened last season. I have been given full support and a blank cheque to bring in players I believe can help us compete very well. The competition will be tough because other teams are also strengthening,” said Ndiraya.
Chicken Inn have also reshuffled their technical bench. Naison Muchekela comes in as first assistant coach, replacing Philani Mabhena, while Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube is the new second assistant.
Guide Goddard moves to the development side as head coach.
Former midfielder Tafadzwa Raphael Kutinyu has joined as performance analyst, while Zwanayi Kawadza takes over as goalkeepers coach.
On the field, the club has retained goalkeepers Vince Mugande and Bernard Donovan, defenders Itai Mabunu, Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Brendon Rendo, midfielders George Majika, Joseph Tulani and Michael Charamba, as well as attackers Lynoth Chikuhwa and Brighton Makopa.
New faces already confirmed include Temptation Chiwunga, Taimon Mvula, Vasilli Kawe, Tyrese Hikupembe and Ngnowa Hapmo from Namibia.
Off the pitch, the Simbisa Brands-sponsored side will enjoy backing from Bakers Inn, Innbucks, Magaya Mining, Chas Everitt International Property Group Zimbabwe, Revive, Active8, H2GO, Edgars Stores, First Mutual Health and Blackshark Protection Services.
With a refreshed board, a reshaped squad and a serial winner at the helm, Chicken Inn are no longer whispering about survival. They are shouting about silverware, and Ndiraya is leading the chorus.
