Curtworth Masango

Zimpapers Sports Hub

JUST days after he led them to an historic Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship title on debut, Scottland yesterday brewed a shocker, dumping coach Tonderai Ndiraya.

The newly crowned champions announced that they would not be rewarding Ndiraya for a fine season by extending his contract.

Instead the club decided against extending his tenure.

The Mabvuku-based club confirmed the departure, indicating that it by mutual agreement.

Ndiraya, who also led Simba Bhora to the championship last year had written his own piece of history by becoming the only coach in the history of the Premiership to win back to bac titles with different clubs.

Scottland secretary-general, Fortune Bgwoni, expressed the club’s gratitude for Ndiraya’s service but signalled an immediate, ambitious pivot.

“We are looking for a coach who will help the club reach its target in the Champions League,” said Bgwoni.

“It’s a new area altogether, but the club needs to make an impact.”

Scottland have set their sights on making an impact on the Champions League stage.

Bgwoni said the club is seeking a candidate who will align with the club’s vision and ambitions, confirming their search is not restricted to local coaches only.

“But it should be clear that we reached a mutual agreement of not renewing his contract, which concludes at the end of this season.

“We would like to express our sincere appreciation for his commitment, professionalism and service during his time with the club.

“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.

“Note that our choice is not restricted we are seeking to bring someone who will align with the club’s vision and ambitions,” said Bgwoni.

Ndiraya’s exit caps a period of stunning success.

He engineered Scottland’s fairy-tale debut season, clinching the league title and delivering a coveted CAF Champions League berth.

The club’s statement that was also released yesterday praised his commitment, professionalism, and

The hunt for his successor is already underway, with several high-profile names in the frame.

Ndiraya’s departure immediately sparked speculation on his successor with former Dynamos and Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa and German Michael Nees, who is believed to have been in contact with the club recently.

Scottland bosses are understood to have been in admiration of Nees approach despite his failure to produce results with the Warriors in the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualification.