IT’S A TOUGHER RACE THAN LAST YEAR, SAYS NDIRAYA

Innocent Kurira

Zimpapers Sports Hub

REIGNING coach of Year Tonderai Ndiraya believes says the signs were there from the beginning that the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title will be fiercely contested.

The Chicken Inn coach has won the last two league titles with Simba Bhora and Scottland respectively.

And, he is hoping to write his own piece of history by winning a third title in a row, this time with Chicken Inn. Speaking after guiding Chicken Inn to a 2-1 victory over Dynamos in a Week 10 encounter at Barbourfields on Sunday, Ndiraya placed strong emphasis on the competitiveness of the league, describing the season as “even tougher than last year.”

“From the onset it was quite evident it was going to be a competitive league if you look at the business that teams did during the off-season. There was a lot of movement in terms of transfers,” said Ndiraya.

Ten rounds into the campaign, his observations are clearly reflected in the standings.

CAPS United lead the table with 22 points, but the margin is far from comfortable.

Hardrock are just a point behind, while Ngezi Platinum Stars are within touching distance on 20 points and remain the only unbeaten side in the league.

“This season is tough and even tougher than last year. I am not sure about the statistics but after 10 games out of a possible 30 points the top team has 22 points which shows the league is very competitive,” he said. “All teams are almost at the same place which shows you the competitive nature of the league. There is no weak team in this league, it’s a tough league. Those deemed to be weak are also providing tough competition,” he said.

His remarks are backed by results from across the league. Over the weekend, CAPS United were beaten 1-0 by Bulawayo Chiefs, a result that underlined how top sides are vulnerable.

At the same time, Hardrock produced a dominant 6-1 victory over FC Hunters, showing how teams are capable of delivering high-level performances regardless of previous form.

For Ndiraya, this trend is the clearest indicator of a healthy and competitive league. The traditional hierarchy is being challenged, and teams can no longer rely on reputation alone to secure results.

The ripple effect of this competitiveness is also being felt at an individual level. Players are being pushed to raise their standards, knowing that consistency is now essential in a league where every point is contested.

Hardrock striker Washington Navaya, for instance, is beginning to find his rhythm, taking his tally to four goals as he chases early leaders Khama Billiat and Ralph Kawondera.