The game of musical chairs has begun in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League with movement of coaches already beginning in earnest.
Norman Mapeza has been reappointed at FC Platinum coach one year after leading the team to its third PSL title and just under two months since he declined a coaching job at Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC citing professional reasons.
A former Zimbabwe international, Mapeza replaces Dutchman Hendrikus Pieter De Jongh who was barred by Confederation of African Football (CAF) from sitting on the technical bench, since he did not possess required qualifications.
The Platinum Miners are preparing for their CAF Champions League campaign against Costa do Sol of Mozambique next week.
“We are pleased to announce the return of Norman Mapeza to take the team forward,” the club said in a statement.
“Coach Mapeza has a proven record of success, with the club, having won two PSL titles in addition to leading the CAF Champions League charge.
“Mapeza takes the team fully aware of the club’s vision, which he has taken part in building, and now seeks to attain in a fresh challenge, he comes in ready to go.
“To our stakeholders, fans and followers, the journey continues in confidence and high spirits.”
Mapeza joined the Zvishavane side in 2014 for his first stint when he replaced Lloyd Mutasa, to establish himself as a doyen of football in the mining town after helping then win back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
He also helped them win two Chibuku Challenge Cups, while also engineering their breakthrough to the group stage of the African Champions League in the 2018/19 edition of the premier club competition.
The former Galatasaray man also earned himself two Coach of the Year accolades in 2017 and 2018 following laudable exploits at the helm of the club.
The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League 2020 season was expected to start off in March, but unfortunately, this coincided with the pandemic outbreak of the horrific coronavirus in Zimbabwe and globally.
Some PSL clubs have since adopted the bio-bubble model in order to ensure their players, coaches and officials are safe from novel virus as they await the resumption of football in the country.
