THE champagne corks have barely settled, but the axe has already fallen.
In a move that sent shockwaves across the domestic football yesterday, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Scottland ruthlessly parted ways with title-winning coach Tonderai Ndiraya, mere days after he delivered them a historic debut league crown.
The reason? A hunger for CAF Champions League glory so intense it has thrown caution to the wind, with club president Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya demanding a coach capable of conquering the continent.
Sources say his top target is the legendary three-time CAF Champions League winner Pitso Mosimane.
Scottland’s swift and audacious decision signals a club ready to spend big and gamble everything to make a mark in Africa, immediately catapulting them into the continental conversation.
Sakupwanya, the wealthy gold magnate steering the Scottland ship, is obsessed with reaching the later stages of the CAF Champions League, publicly declaring his aim to reach at least the quarterfinals, or better yet, lift the trophy.
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Sources close to the club told NewsDay Sport yesterday that the president was utterly unconvinced Ndiraya possessed the tactical profile to compete against Africa’s elite.
Even a league title, secured with two matches to spare, couldn’t save the former Dynamos coach from the president’s lofty gaze.
The disdain for Ndiraya’s methods was deep-seated.
Throughout the season, Sakupwanya made no secret of his dislike for the team’s style of play, famously describing it at one point as “embarrassing”.
“He [Sakupwanya] is a man of huge ambitions and wants to make a mark in Africa,” revealed one of the sources.
“Ndiraya is a good coach, but he doesn’t fit the profile that the big boss believes can lead the team to at least the semi-finals or even win him the Champions League.
“He is going for the man who he thinks can give him the results.
“He wants Pitso because of his experience in Africa and he is prepared to go all out to get him. He is top of the list.”
Alongside Mosimane, who has won three CAF Champions League titles with Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, Scottland is also reportedly courting experienced Englishman Stuart Baxter (formerly of Kaizer Chiefs) and ex-Warriors coach Michael Nees.
However, the pursuit of Mosimane, a man generally considered the most successful coach in southern African football history, is the headline grabbing priority.
Luring “Jingles” to Mabvuku would be the single biggest statement of intent ever.
Ndiraya, who joined Scottland at the start of the season and delivered their debut league trophy, officially departed yesterday after a “mutual agreement of not renewing his contract”.
“His contribution and dedication to the team have been highly-valued and we extend our gratitude for the role he has played in the growth and development of our players,” read the club’s statement, attempting to paper over the brutality of the timing.
“He led Scottland to a historic league title on debut Premier Soccer League season.”
Ndiraya now leaves a vacancy that Scottland plans to fill with a superstar coach capable of steering their Champions League dream: A dream that has already claimed its first high-profile victim.