IN a powerful demonstration of magnanimity that transcended the bitterness of his recent sacking, former Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya used his Coach of the Year acceptance speech at the PSL end of season awards ceremony on Friday night to pay a graceful and profound tribute to the club that had just abruptly ended their historic partnership.
The former Simba Bhora gaffer was told his contract will not be renewed just a week after guiding the club to a league title in their maiden season in the topflight.
Yet, Ndiraya offered no recriminations, only gratitude.
In his first public comments since the acrimonious divorce, Ndiraya firmly focused on the shared achievement, choosing to celebrate the history they made together rather than dwell on the sudden, shocking parting.
"I would like to thank my former bosses at Scottland for giving me the opportunity to make history," Ndiraya said.
His words painted a picture of mutual respect, suggesting the professional split was a necessary, though painful, conclusion rather than a hostile breakdown.
"If I didn't think that I would win the league, I wouldn't have joined Scottland,” Ndiraya said.
The championship victory was a monumental achievement as Scottland became the first team to win the league in their maiden top-flight season since Black Rhinos in 1984.
Ndiraya, in turn, sealed his legendary status by becoming the first coach to win back-to-back titles with two different clubs, having achieved the same feat with Simba Bhora last year.
Yet, success, in this case, bought him only a week's grace.
However, the measured gratitude underscored why Ndiraya is revered.
He is a coach known for his ability to forge intensely close, almost familial relationships with his players, a trait he acknowledged by thanking them for their efforts in the journey.
"I would also like to thank the players of Scottland and of course the soccer stars of the year that we are gathered here for today for all the effort that they put in throughout the whole season."
He continued, paying homage to his roots. "I also want to thank my previous employer Simba Bhora for making me who I am today. They gave me a platform to make the history that I have made," he acknowledged.
The lingering tension over the dismissal was finally broken in a poignant moment after the formalities.
Away from the glare of the main stage, Ndiraya and Scottland owner Scott Sakupwanya were seen in an intense, private chat.
The encounter culminated not with a handshake, but with a passionate, emotional hug, an act that suggests the bond between the two was perhaps stronger than the recent professional betrayal.
Ndiraya, who has since been replaced by Norman Mapeza, is already being linked with a potential move back to Simba Bhora, with promoted side Hardrock also reportedly circling on the highly-rated gaffer.
Scottland’s celebration of Ndiraya and Mafios Chihweta's Rookie of the Year award was quickly overshadowed by a massive upset in the main category.
Star defender Kelvin Moyo, widely tipped to win the Soccer Star of the Year award after anchoring the title-winning defense, was stunningly beaten by TelOne striker and Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya who scored 17 goals in the past season.
When Moyo was announced as the first runner-up, the Scottland camp was visibly crestfallen.
Navaya later admitted to journalists that he was equally surprised.
"To be honest, I thought I would finish as either first or second runners-up," he confessed. "Thankfully, I managed to win it. This is a proud moment for my family, my team, and the Gweru community.”
Simba Bhora's Emmanuel Ziocha was announced the second runners-up while Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai picked up the Fans' Choice Player of the Year award.
Other winners included Simba Bhora’s William Thole (Goalkeeper of the Year) for his staggering 17 clean sheets, and Brighton Chimene (Referee of The Year), who is headed to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Relagated Bikita Minerals got a consolation by getting the Most Disciplined Team of the Year award.
All 11 soccer stars of the year finalists were also recognised with trophies at the ceremony.
Soccer Stars of the Year XI finalists: Washington Navaya (TelOne), Kelvin Moyo (Scottland), Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Tymon Machope (Scottland), Ishe Mauchi, William Thole (Simba Bhora), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Abubakar Moffat, Billy Veremu (Mwos), Jarrison Selemani (FC Platinum).