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Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS pressure begins to bubble in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, questions are starting to swirl around high-flying newcomers Scottland and their celebrated coach, Tonderai Ndiraya. But is there really reason to worry or is this just the calm before their storm?
When Scottland hired Tonderai Ndiraya at the beginning of the year, it was mainly because of his huge achievement at Simba Bhora.
The youthful gaffer’s stock had risen sharply after leading Simba Bhora to their first league championship in their second season in the Premier Soccer League.
Ndiraya arrived at Scottland highly recommended.
Yet there are some who are already doubting his capabilities, seven matches into the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Scottland have 12 points, out of a possible 21, and are five points behind surprise log leaders MWOS going into Matchday 8.
Interestingly, Ndiraya managed almost the same tally with Simba Bhora at this stage of the season last year, on his way to clinching his first ever league championship as a coach.
Simba Bhora raked in 13 points, just one above what Scottland have achieved so far.
Go Buju Go suffered two losses in their opening seven games last season, while Scottland have just one defeat, despite this being their maiden Premiership season.
That’s why Ndiraya is calling for calmness at Mabviravira, ahead of a tricky fixture against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga tomorrow.
“It’s still early days,” stressed Ndiraya, in an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
From experience, Ndiraya reckons a lot will happen between now and the end of the season.
“It’s a marathon, 27 games to go, it’s still a long way to go.
“You will witness a lot of twists and turns. There will be a lot of changes at the top of the log between now and maybe Week 17.”
Scottland are fresh from an exciting duel against four-time champions FC Platinum, which ended 1-1 at Rufaro on Easter Monday.
It was Mabviravira’s second consecutive draw after another stalemate against Yadah at the same venue.
Those two draws came after a big 3-0 victory against Bikita Minerals in Mbare.
After the draw against Yadah, Ndiraya outlined his vision for Scottland, who are arguably the richest team in the local top-flight league.
“We assembled quality players, but we are in the process of getting the team to understand each other,” Ndiraya said.
He is confident Scottland will start firing after Week 10.
Coincidentally, when he was in charge at Simba Bhora last season, the Shamva side shifted into a high gear after Match Day 10.
Go Buju Go managed five wins between Week 10 and Week 18 of the 2024 season.
Simba Bhora would then go on a roll ending the season ahead of FC Platinum.
Go Buju Go actually won the title with two games to spare.
That achievement prompted Scottland to lure Ndiraya at the beginning of this year.
A massive investment by club owner Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya saw Scottland harness the best talent on the local scene.
Six players who made it onto the 2024 Soccer Star of the Year calendar.
Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Tymon Machope, Kingsley Mureremba, Godknows Murwira and Golden Boot winner Lynoth Chikuhwa are all at Scottland.
Mabviravira also have experienced players like Ghanaian star midfielder Frederick Ansa Botchway, Tichaona Chipunza, Peter Muduhwa and Kelvin Moyo.
“Like I said before, we anticipated a very difficult first seven games because a team of stars takes some time to gel,” said Ndiraya.
“We are in a process of making sure we build an efficient machine, one that I believe will start firing from Week 10,” added Ndiraya.
The 47-year-old Ndiraya won the Chibuku Super Cup in 2016 before assuming the reins at Dynamos and Simba Bhora.
Online Reporter