Zimbabwe: Coach Mapeza says goodbye to FC Platinum

Zimbabwe’s well-known coach Norman Mapeza has made an emotional farewell to FC Platinum, closing the curtain on a combined 10-year tenure with the former Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions.

In his speech captured on video, the former Warriors handler said he waited for the conclusion of the season on Sunday to announce his departure because he did not want to destabilise the team.

“I did this because I cared. You need to be strong. I didn’t want to say it during the week because I was scared some of you might get affected.

“So, that is the news. Guys, thank you so much. Guys, you need to be strong. Whoever will come to the club, respect that coach. You need to know when you are supposed to be on the pitch. Don’t change,” Mapeza said.

Some players and technical panel members openly shed tears as the coach shook their hands and hugged them.

In a statement, Platinum celebrated Mapeza’s achievements with the Castle Lager PSL team.

“From his first match to an incredible 360 games at the helm of FC Platinum, coach Mapeza has embodied the true spirit of what it means to be a Platso,” reads the statement.

He joined the club in August 2014 and instantly turned them into one of the most formidable forces of Zimbabwe football.

“It has been a decade of glory and transformative football that reshaped our club’s identity. Under his guidance, FC Platinum became the gold standard of Zimbabwean football fusing flair with grit and stamping a Platinum seal both on and off the pitch,” the statement adds.

Norman Mapeza’s record with FC Platinum

Mapeza leaves an impeccable track record of winning three Castle Lager PSL titles, three Castle Challenge Cups, Chibuku Super Cup and Uhuru Cup.

The former Zimbabwean international also managed the Warriors more than once and had a stint with Chippa United in the Betway Premiership of South Africa. His next destination is not clear but unconfirmed reports have linked him with a move to Kwekwe United and Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers.

Platinum struggled in the just-ended season finishing in sixth place a distant 11 points behind champions Scotlland FC.