Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko
Metros Editor
TONDERAI Ndiraya is set to become the first coach to guide two clubs to maiden titles, in the Castle Lager Premiership title, in successive years.
He might win it this weekend and, if not, maybe next weekend.
And, even if that is not the case, it could be the final weekend of the championship.
One way or the other, Gweru is likely to provide the location for the party and, if it’s not this weekend, then it could be the final weekend.
Alternatively, the party could be held in Harare at Rufaro in what would be a fitting farewell to the spiritual home of domestic football which has served Scottland very well as their base this season.
It’s likely to be their final game at Rufaro, too, with all indications suggesting the club will move to their home, either in Mabvuku or Ruwa, by the time they are back in action next year.
Whatever the case, all eyes are on Ndiraya as he stands on the threshold of making history.
Since the domestic top-flight league started in 1962, with Bulawayo Rovers winning the League and Cup double, no coach has led two clubs, chasing their maiden titles, to the championship in successive years.
Now, after 63 years of waiting, Ndiraya is about to become the first man to do it following his success with Simba Bhora last year and what appears to be another success story with Scottland.
Maybe, from now onwards, he should just coach clubs whose initials are an ‘S.’
Scottland could all but be crowned tomorrow if both Simba Bhora, who host Highlanders, and MWOS, who host Triangle, lose to their opponents.
But, even if the two clubs win, Scottland have what appears to be the easiest match on paper as they face relegated Kwekwe United tomorrow.
A win against the bottom club will be enough to start the party for the Scotts, even if both MWOS and Simba win, as their six-point lead, and vastly superior goal difference, will mean they have virtually won it.
Ndiraya has remained a cool and calm head throughout the championship race and, even when the days were dark and some fans staged a protest against him, he kept his eyes on the ball.
Now, he stands on the threshold of history.
The relegation battle is even more interesting with many clubs, including Bosso, Dynamos and CAPS United, stuck in the mix.
This could be a decisive weekend with Dynamos hosting Bikita, the first of their three matches at Rufaro in the final countdown, CAPS away to Chicken Inn and Bosso facing Simba.
There are also other players in the mix – Yadah, who have to win this weekend to keep their dreams alive, Bikita, Manica Diamonds, Greenfuel and none of the teams can afford to drop points.
Mathew Masinge