harare24dmin Bulawayo – Entertainment Editor
Chicken Inn FC head coach Tonderai Ndiraya made an unexpected appearance on Bulawayo’s social circuit after paying a surprise visit to Nexus Rooftop, the upmarket Pub and Grill leisure centre, where the popular comedy platform Umahlekisa was hosting an open mic entertainment session.
The low-key but notable visit saw one of Zimbabwe football’s most respected tacticians step away from the touchline and into a relaxed creative space that drew a mix of artists, professionals and sports personalities. Patrons at the venue were visibly surprised as Ndiraya arrived quietly, taking time to observe the performances and engage with guests.
A highlight of the evening was Ndiraya’s interaction with Dr. Qhubani Moyo, the proprietor of Nexus Rooftop, with the two holding what witnesses described as an animated and engaging conversation. While details of the discussion remained private, the exchange symbolised the growing intersection between sport, business and entertainment in the city’s evolving leisure scene.
The night also attracted other high-profile figures, including Ronald Moyo, the former Chief Executive Officer of Scottland FC, the reigning Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League champions. His presence added further weight to an evening that blended football pedigree with creative expression.
Ndiraya’s appearance comes at a time when his profile in Zimbabwean football is at its highest. Widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches of the modern era, he recently made history by becoming the first coach to win back-to-back league titles with different clubs during the 2024–2025 seasons. His championship-winning spell with Simba Bhora elevated him into elite coaching status, before a brief but closely watched stint at Scottland FC in 2025.
He is also credited with reviving Dynamos FC during a difficult period, steering the club away from relegation trouble and rebuilding it into a competitive force. Earlier in his career, Ndiraya guided Ngezi Platinum Stars to the Chibuku Super Cup in 2016 and has served as an assistant coach for the Zimbabwe national team, the Warriors. In early 2026, reports confirmed his appointment as head coach of Chicken Inn FC, marking a new chapter in his decorated career.
- Those close to the event said Ndiraya’s presence was warmly received, with many appreciating his willingness to engage beyond football and support local entertainment initiatives. His visit to Nexus Rooftop underscored a growing trend of sports leaders embracing Bulawayo’s creative and social spaces, reinforcing the city’s identity as a hub where culture, sport and business increasingly intersect.
For Umahlekisa and Nexus Rooftop, the evening offered added visibility, while for patrons it was a reminder that some of the country’s biggest sporting figures remain closely connected to the communities and creative platforms that define urban life beyond the stadium.
