CHICKEN Inn FC head coach Tonderai Ndiraya was delighted to leave Rufaro Stadium with a point on Saturday, describing the 1-1 draw against Herentals FC as a “golden” result for his newly assembled side.
Following a massive off-season overhaul, Ndiraya believes securing an away point in the season opener provides the perfect platform for the GameCocks to mount a serious title challenge.
The coach, who is eyeing a historic third consecutive league title with three different clubs, saw his side take a first-half lead through Malawian recruit Binwell Rahim before Ralph Kawondera equalised for the hosts in the second period.
Ndiraya, who recently returned from a high-level coaching attachment at Villarreal CF in Spain’s La Liga, was pragmatic about the result.
He emphasised that the stalemate only carries weight if they capitalise on their upcoming home fixture at Barbourfields Stadium.
“Trust me, it won’t be easy for so many teams to come here and get a point like we did today. So it’s a crucial point for us and the focus now is for us when we go back home to play Triangle. Then it makes this point a golden point,” Ndiraya remarked.
Keep Reading
- British Airways pilot jailed for lying about his flying experience on CV to get job
- DEMBARE WIELD AXE ON NDIRAYA
- DEMBARE WIELD AXE ON NDIRAYA
- DeMbare star fits Belgian bill
“We have to go back home, plan, strategise and make sure that we collect maximum points. Then it gives a lot of value to this point today.
“But if you collect a point away and go back home and you don’t collect maximum points, then it becomes difficult for you in the marathon.
“So I’m happy for now, for this point, but only if we get maximum points when we go back home.”
Having survived a relegation scare last season, Chicken Inn’s leadership has backed Ndiraya with significant investment.
The squad features six new foreign players: Binwell Rahim (Malawi), Tyrese Hikupembe and Sefu Luison Ngongo (Namibia), Francis Mustafa (Burundi) and NGnowa Hampo (Cameroon).
They are joined by high-profile locals like Vasilli Kawe, Temptation Chiwunga and Amon Mvula, alongside Lynoth Chikuwa, who returns after a loan spell at Scottland FC.
Ndiraya noted that while the talent is evident, the squad is still reaching peak physical condition.
“I think when you play your first games, the issue really is about fitness. Match fitness for that matter.
“And you could see that some of the players were 75%, 80% fit, which is very normal when you are starting games.
“Hopefully, as we move forward, we can manage the recovery very well and get them to the fitness levels that are required at this level of the game. And then, of course, more games, the team will then start to get together, start to play as a unit.”
The coach was particularly heartened by how quickly his international signings are settling in, punctuated by Rahim’s debut goal.
“Like I mentioned, we have so many players that we brought in just to strengthen the squad. And hopefully, as we go forward, those players will quickly adapt to the culture, the Zim culture. Of course, half of them are new to this league...
“I’m happy and excited that one of them in the squad today opened his goal account. That is very important for us, for you to win games.
“I’m very happy for Binwell for what he has done today. And then, of course, the entire team for the effort that they put in today.”
With the first hurdle cleared, Ndiraya’s quest for an unprecedented “three-peat”with Simba Bhora (2024), Scottland (2025), and now Chicken Inn continues this Saturday against Triangle FC.