Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
REIGNING coach of the year Tonderai Ndiraya believes 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.”
For the Chicken Inn gaffer, the explanation lies in what happened before a ball was even kicked.
A busy transfer window saw clubs strengthen significantly, closing the gap between traditional powerhouses and the rest of the pack.
“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.
Beyond the technical and tactical aspects, Ndiraya also pointed to the broader benefits of such a competitive environment. A closely fought league, he believes, is good for the game as it draws supporters back to the stadiums.
“This type of competition will bring the fans to the stadiums which is good for the league. With the competition that is there teams are forced to improve on their performances,” he said.
So far, his words are proving accurate. With just 10 matches played, the league table remains congested, momentum continues to shift, and no team has managed to break away from the pack.
If anything, the early stages of the season have reinforced Ndiraya’s central message, that the 2026 campaign is defined by its competitiveness. And as the race for the title intensifies, that balance is likely to remain, making every match decisive and every point invaluable.
Online