adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
NEW Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya says he is ready to take the Harare giants forward beginning tomorrow with a clash against traditional rivals Highlanders in the final of the Commander ZNA Charity Shield final. The former DeMbare midfielder was thrust into the hot seat yesterday following the sacking of David Mandigora over poor results.
Interestingly, Ndiraya who worked as assistant to Mandigora since the beginning of the season, will have to start with a big test following the recent close contests between the two giants.
Ndiraya appeared calm at the training session yesterday soon after he was told of the decision by the executive.
DeMbare and Highlanders drew 1-1 in a league match last week.
Ndiraya said he was not scared of the task as he hopes to lead the side to maintain their dominance over Bosso.
“We played these guys last weekend, I was there on the bench so we are bracing for the challenge,” he said.
“I think from what we have seen, the boys have a very strong character. They want to play the game and they should be ready for the game.
“We have new guys coming in whom we feel should be getting more game time so that they improve their fitness.
“We want to field the strongest side so that we start winning games and to have that winning mentality. I think that’s what we want to retain in the boys.
“If you look at the past matches that we have played there is nothing pleasing. We have played about seven matches and out of those we only won one. The rest were draws.
“So we want to rake up a few more wins so that we retain the confidence in the boys and after that everything will fall into place.
“But it all depends on how hard we are going to prepare and work for our lives and I’m sure these guys are prepared to do just that,” said Ndiraya.
DeMbare will be without Ronald Chitiyo who is yet to recover from an ankle injury and the Young Warriors trio of Carlos Rusere, Blessing Moyo and goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva who are on national duty in South Africa.
Gritty midfielder Stephen Alimenda should also make a return to the side after serving a three-match suspension imposed on him by the Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee over his questionable behaviour towards a female Tsholotsho medic.
DeMbare beat city rivals CAPS United to book their place in the final while Highlanders dismissed How Mine in the semi-finals.
However, Ndiraya said the bigger picture is retaining the league title.
The Glamour Boys president Kenny Mubaiwa made it clear to him that they are expecting nothing short of matching the bar set by their predecessor Callisto Pasuwa.
“It’s a very huge challenge to me but I think I have gained enough experience. I have worked under quite a number of experienced coaches.
“I have worked with Elvis Chiweshe before, Callisto Pasuwa and lately David Mandigora.
“All those guys equipped me with some bit of experience which I hope to use in my tenure.
“But of cause it’s always a difficult job to do.
“Dynamos is always a difficult team to coach but I have the culture; born and bred in Dynamos, so I hope to take the team forward,” said Ndiraya.
Online Reporter