Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya says he is targeting his third Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in a row.
The Gamecocks have also announced a restructuring of their administrative arm.
Former club president Lifa Ncube is now the board chairman.
Trevor Jakachira is his deputy, Tawengwa Hara remains the legal secretary and the audit and compliance board member is Happymore Makovore.
Former chairman, Juta Tshuma, is the member responsible for human capital.
Lisa Sibanda is in charge of finance and women’s football.
Chris Moyo has been assigned to the technical and development portfolio.
The announcement was made just before Ndiraya’s first press conference after joining Chicken Inn.
He took time to defend his buying spree, which has seen him retain 11 players from last season.
“First, I would like to say I am happy to be here in Bulawayo. I did not think twice about coming here.
“I have always wished to coach in this region. I am happy to come here and coach in this part of the country.
“We had to change after seeing how we performed last season because we do not want a repeat of last season’s performance,” said Ndiraya.
He added:
“I also want to thank those who hunted me to come and replace a great man in Joey Antipas.
“It puts weight on my shoulders to replace a coach who has done so much for this team,” he said.
Under Antipas, Chicken Inn won the championship.
Ndiraya believes his side are ready for the new season.
“We are now looking forward to the competition because we have prepared well,” he said.
“Having won two championships in a row, we are also looking at getting a third but that will depend on how we prepare.
“It will also come down to how the players respond to everything thrown at them. It is the pressure we have put on ourselves, especially personally, because I want to go for a third one,” said Ndiraya.
The Gamecocks have undergone significant changes to their playing personnel.
“We are bringing in 60 percent new players and retaining 40 percent of the squad from last season.
“We have announced some of the players, while some will be unveiled by the club. “We felt the club needed to be refreshed. We are hoping the players we have brought in will give us that competitive edge.
“We do not just want to compete, but we want to compete very well. What happened to the club last season forced us to go into the market.
“I am happy with the support I have got from my employers, who have given me a blank cheque to get the players that I feel will help the team compete.”
We have brought in what I think are quality players. The competition will be tough
Chicken Inn have confirmed the retention of 11 players from last season’s squad as they seek to rebuild following a difficult campaign.
The Gamecocks endured a disappointing 2025 season in which they flirted with relegation, prompting a major squad overhaul.
Chicken Inn new signings include Temptation Chiwunga, Taimon Mvula and Vasilli Kawe.
The club have also confirmed the signing of Tyrese Hikupembe and Ngnowa Hapmo from Namibia.
Mathew Masinge