Ndiraya Prepares Chicken Inn for Emotional Reunion Against Scottland FC
Hope
Chicken Inn head coach Tonderai Ndiraya has expressed confidence and focus ahead of his side’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 14 fixture against Scottland FC, set for Saturday at 3pm at Barbourfields Stadium.
Speaking on preparations, Ndiraya said the team has been working hard in training despite being affected mentally by their recent defeat to FC Platinum over the weekend.
“We are preparing very well, of course the boys were a bit down after the defeat at the weekend, but we have spoken to them about the importance of this upcoming fixture. It is a very important game for us.”
“We are playing at home at Barbourfields Stadium, so it is important for the players to quickly forget what happened at Mandava and really put all their focus on this match.”
The Chicken Inn coach also reflected on the emotional significance of facing his former club, Scottland FC, where he previously enjoyed success.
“It’s my former team — the team that gave me my second title as a coach. Not just for me, but also for some members of the backroom staff who are here with me,” he explained. “So it is a very important and emotional game because of the history that is between us.”
“It is a team I respect, a team owned by Honourable Sakupwanya, whom I feel has really done a lot and invested a lot in football. Meeting them at this stage of the season is something I will always cherish.”
However, Ndiraya stressed that his focus remains fully on Chicken Inn and securing a positive result at home.
“But I have since moved on. I am now with Chicken Inn and we want to compete in a very big way. We must take advantage of home ground and try to get something from this game.”
He also acknowledged the strength of Scottland FC, describing them as a dangerous and well-balanced side.
“It is a very difficult game. Scottland has got a lot of quality in every department of their team, which makes the match quite interesting. As a coach, playing against a quality side is a challenge, but it is a challenge that we are ready for.”
Ndiraya also provided an update on his squad ahead of the fixture, confirming both returns and a key injury concern.
“We have a few knocks in the squad. Brandon Rendo was taken off the field on a stretcher, but I am glad to report that he is back. He missed training yesterday but trained fully today, so we are happy with his progress.”
“George Majika is also back. He started full training last Thursday and is in the early stages of recovery, while Brighton Makopa has also returned to training.”
However, Francis Mostafa will miss the match due to injury.
“We will miss Francis Mostafa, who has been very important for us in recent games. He has a strained hamstring muscle. Hopefully he can also recover quickly so that he can come and join the squad.”
The team will also be without Joseph Tulani, who is suspended for the match against Scottland FC.
Looking ahead, Ndiraya highlighted the importance of squad depth with a congested fixture schedule approaching.
“After this match we travel to ZPC Kariba and Agama FC, which are long journeys. We need all players fit and available to give us more options for selection.”
