Ndiraya anchors Chicken Inn rebuild

CHICKEN INN have declared the appointment of Tonderai Ndiraya as a bold statement of intent ahead of the 2026 season, with club president Lifa Ncube insisting the Gamecocks are targeting nothing short of silverware.

The reigning Premier Soccer League Coach of the Year takes over at a time when the former champions are restructuring both on and off the pitch in a bid to reassert themselves as serious title contenders.

Ncube said Ndiraya’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era at the club.
“We are proud to welcome the reigning PSL Coach of the Year, Tonderai Ndiraya, and his technical team. His winning mentality and proven leadership align perfectly with the club’s renewed structure and ambition. His arrival sends a clear message: Chicken Inn FC is moving forward with purpose,” said Ncube.

He was unequivocal about the club’s ambitions for the upcoming campaign.
“Let me be clear: in 2026, Chicken Inn Football Club is here to compete. We are not here to be also-rans. We aim to challenge for every trophy available. The strength of our partnerships, the quality of the squad assembled and the leadership of the best coach in the league all underscore our commitment to excellence,” he said.

Chicken Inn, former PSL champions, who featured in the 2016 Caf Champions League, are undergoing a strategic transformation designed to support Ndiraya’s technical vision. The club recently reorganised its board structure to align with the demands of modern football, a move Ncube says is meant to create a high-performance environment capable of delivering podium finishes.

Off the field, the Gamecocks have also expanded their corporate base, welcoming several new partners for the 2026 season, while reaffirming their long-standing relationship with main sponsors Chicken Inn and Simbisa Brands Limited.

In addition, the club unveiled its own merchandise brand, “2-Piecer”, as part of efforts to strengthen its commercial autonomy and identity. However, it is the appointment of Ndiraya that has generated the biggest excitement among supporters.

With a reputation for discipline, organisation and tactical acumen, Ndiraya is expected to mould a competitive side capable of mounting a sustained title challenge.

For Chicken Inn, the message is clear, the Ndiraya era is not about rebuilding, but about competing at the highest level

Two-time championship-winning coach Ndiraya is now in charge of the Gamecocks’ first team.
He replaced veteran gaffer Joey Antipas, who had been with the former league champions for several years, winning the league championship in 2015.

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’s new signings include Temptation Chiwunga, Taimon Mvula and Vasilli Kawe.