Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
THE 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested campaigns in recent years, and for seasoned coach Tonderai Ndiraya, the warning signs were evident long before the season kicked off.
Ndiraya, who has claimed the last two league titles with Simba Bhora and Scottland, is now at Chicken Inn, where he is aiming to carve out his own piece of history by securing a third successive championship with a third different club.
Speaking after guiding Chicken Inn to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dynamos in a Week 10 encounter, Ndiraya highlighted the growing competitiveness of the league, describing the current campaign as “even tougher than last year.”
For the Chicken Inn coach, the explanation can be traced back to developments before the first whistle of the season.
A busy transfer window saw clubs reinforcing their squads, significantly narrowing the gap between traditional giants and emerging challengers.
“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 season, his assessment is clearly reflected in the standings. CAPS United lead the table with 22 points, but their advantage remains slim. Hardrock trail closely, just a point behind, while Ngezi Platinum Stars sit within reach on 20 points and hold the distinction of being the only unbeaten side so far.
“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.
That tight race at the top tells only part of the story. What has truly stood out this season is the disappearance of easy fixtures — a trend Ndiraya was quick to emphasise.
“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.
Recent results across the league back up his observations. Over the weekend, CAPS United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bulawayo Chiefs, underlining how even the frontrunners are vulnerable. Meanwhile, Hardrock delivered a commanding 6-1 win over FC Hunters, demonstrating the ability of teams to produce dominant performances regardless of previous form.
For Ndiraya, this level of unpredictability points to a league that is becoming more balanced and competitive. The traditional hierarchy is now under real pressure, with clubs no longer able to rely on reputation alone to secure results.
This competitiveness is also raising the bar for individual players. With every match proving decisive, consistency has become critical. Hardrock striker Washington Navaya is among those responding, steadily climbing the scoring charts with four goals as he chases early pacesetters Khama Billiat and Ralph Kawondera.
Beyond tactical battles and results, Ndiraya believes the competitiveness of the league is having a positive impact on the broader game. A closely fought title race, he says, draws supporters back to the stadiums and rekindles interest in domestic football.
“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, the unfolding season appears to support his view. After just 10 matches, the table remains tightly packed, momentum continues to shift from week to week, and no side has managed to pull clear of the chasing pack.
If anything, the early stages of the campaign have reinforced Ndiraya’s central point — that the 2026 season will be defined by its competitiveness. As the title race gathers pace, that balance looks set to remain, ensuring that every match carries weight and every point matters.
derick.khumalo