Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Scottland coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, admits emotions will inevitably come into play when Chicken Inn face the defending champions at Barbourfields on Saturday.
He says he still respects the Mabvuku side, despite moving away from their parish, and believes club owner Scott Sakupwanya has done wonders for domestic football.
However, Ndiraya says sentiment will not stand in the way of chasing maximum points.
The fixture marks Ndiraya’s first meeting against Scottland since leaving the club after guiding them to league glory last season.
“It’s my former team and a team that gave me my second title as a coach,” he said.
“Not just mine but some of the working staff that are here, too, so it’s going to be an emotional one because of the history between us and them.
“It’s a team that I respect. It’s a team sponsored by Honourable Scott Sakupwanya, a man who has done a lot for Zimbabwean football. “Meeting them at this time of the season is something that I cherish.”
While the reunion storyline will dominate the build-up, Ndiraya’s focus remains firmly on improving Chicken Inn’s league position.
The Gamecocks head into the tie sitting 10th on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with 18 points from 13 matches.
Scottland occupy fourth position with 22 points and remain firmly in the title conversation.
Having suffered defeat at Mandava in their last outing, Chicken Inn will be desperate to respond in front of their home supporters.
Ndiraya believes facing a side packed with quality players presents the perfect challenge for his squad.
“I am here at Chicken Inn now and the goal really is to compete and take advantage of playing at home and get something out of this game,” he said.
“We know they have quality in every department.
“As a coach, it’s always a challenge to face such a side, but this is a challenge we are looking forward to.
“It’s an important match for us.”
Ndiraya revealed that his players initially struggled to come to terms with last weekend’s defeat, but says attention has now fully shifted towards the high-profile clash.
“We are preparing and preparing very well with the boys.
“Of course, the boys were a bit down after the defeat at the weekend, but we have since spoken to them about the importance of this coming fixture.
“It’s an important game for us playing at home. It is important for the players to forget about what happened at Mandava Stadium and put all their focus on this game.”
Chicken Inn, however, will have to navigate the encounter with key absentees.
Midfielder Francis Mustafa has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Brendon Rendo, George Majika and Brighton Makopa are still on the road to recovery.
Mathew Masinge