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Scottland dumps Ndiraya after debut title
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Scottland Football Club stunned the local football fraternity yesterday after parting ways with coach Tonderai Ndiraya—just days after he guided the team to a historic Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in their debut top-flight season.
Despite delivering one of the most remarkable fairytale campaigns in recent memory, the newly crowned champions announced that they would not be extending Ndiraya's contract, which ends at the close of the season. The club insisted the decision was reached by mutual agreement.
Ndiraya leaves after cementing his place in league history by becoming the first coach to win back-to-back Premiership titles with two different clubs, having led Simba Bhora to the championship last year before repeating the feat with Scottland.
Scottland secretary-general Fortune Bgwoni expressed gratitude for Ndiraya's service but made it clear the club is shifting its focus toward continental ambitions. He said the immediate priority is securing a coach capable of steering the team through the CAF Champions League, an arena the club is entering for the first time.
"We are looking for a coach who will help the club reach its targets in the Champions League," Bgwoni said. "It's a new area altogether, but the club needs to make an impact."
He added that the club's search would not be confined to local coaches and that they were targeting someone whose philosophy aligns with the club's long-term project. Bgwoni paid tribute to Ndiraya, acknowledging his professionalism and the role he played in developing the squad.
Ndiraya's departure marks the end of a stunning debut campaign that saw Scottland defy expectations, clinch the league title, and secure a coveted Champions League slot. The club also issued a formal statement yesterday praising his commitment and leadership throughout the season.
Attention has now shifted to the hunt for his successor, with several high-profile names already linked to the job. Former Dynamos and Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa is among the frontrunners. German coach Michael Nees—who recently engaged with the club and drew admiration from Scottland's hierarchy despite his struggles with the Warriors during the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers—is also believed to be under consideration.
As Scottland prepares for its maiden continental adventure, the club faces a pivotal decision that could shape its trajectory for years to come.
Despite delivering one of the most remarkable fairytale campaigns in recent memory, the newly crowned champions announced that they would not be extending Ndiraya's contract, which ends at the close of the season. The club insisted the decision was reached by mutual agreement.
Ndiraya leaves after cementing his place in league history by becoming the first coach to win back-to-back Premiership titles with two different clubs, having led Simba Bhora to the championship last year before repeating the feat with Scottland.
Scottland secretary-general Fortune Bgwoni expressed gratitude for Ndiraya's service but made it clear the club is shifting its focus toward continental ambitions. He said the immediate priority is securing a coach capable of steering the team through the CAF Champions League, an arena the club is entering for the first time.
"We are looking for a coach who will help the club reach its targets in the Champions League," Bgwoni said. "It's a new area altogether, but the club needs to make an impact."
He added that the club's search would not be confined to local coaches and that they were targeting someone whose philosophy aligns with the club's long-term project. Bgwoni paid tribute to Ndiraya, acknowledging his professionalism and the role he played in developing the squad.
Ndiraya's departure marks the end of a stunning debut campaign that saw Scottland defy expectations, clinch the league title, and secure a coveted Champions League slot. The club also issued a formal statement yesterday praising his commitment and leadership throughout the season.
Attention has now shifted to the hunt for his successor, with several high-profile names already linked to the job. Former Dynamos and Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa is among the frontrunners. German coach Michael Nees—who recently engaged with the club and drew admiration from Scottland's hierarchy despite his struggles with the Warriors during the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers—is also believed to be under consideration.
As Scottland prepares for its maiden continental adventure, the club faces a pivotal decision that could shape its trajectory for years to come.
Source - The Herald
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