Coach Mapeza Throws FC Platinum Off Balance Ahead of UD Songo Clash

Just two days before their Round of 16 first leg CAF Champions League tie at home against Mozambique giants UD Songo, Zimbabwe Castle Premier League champions FC Platinum have been thrown off balance with the resignation of coach Norman Mapeza.

The club announced on Thursday morning that the tactician has tendered his resignation to the club administration just days after the gaffer had hinted to a section of Harare press he was on his way out of the platinum miners.

“We wish to announce the departure of Head Coach, Norman Mapeza from the team through a mutual separation agreement,” read part of the club statement.

“Norman has been with the team for the past five (5) years and the club would like to thank him for his professionalism, dedication and commitment to the achievement of the club objectives.”

The ex- Galatasaray defender took charge of FC Platinum in August 2014 replacing Lloyd Mutasa who resigned from the club under unclear circumstances.

During Mapeza’s tenure, Platinum made history by winning back to back league titles and reaching the group stages of the prestigious CAF Champions League.

With the tactician gone, Platinum will now have to look for a quick replacement by Friday as current assistant coach Lizwe Sweswe does not have the requisite paperwork to handle the team for a CAF match.

New rules stipulate that a coach handling a team at a continental match has to have a CAF A coaching license or its equivalent.