Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A NEW storm has hit FC Platinum after the club’s most decorated coach, Norman Mapeza, walked away in a shock break up that has shaken Mandava. His final act came in a dull stalemate with Dynamos at Rufaro, a quiet end to a decade long rule that dragged the club from hopeful newcomers to serial champions.
The club then dropped another bombshell yesterday. Assistant coach Daniel Veremu, the trusted lieutenant who served as both player and assistant, is also out. Only Darlington Dodo stays behind as the miners scramble for a replacement.
Mapeza’s departure closes the door on one of the most dominant spells in local football. He turned FC Platinum into a ruthless title machine, stacking up three league crowns, three Castle Challenge Cups and two Chibuku Super Cups. Under him, the Zvishavane side muscled its way into the elite bracket of domestic giants.
“Look, when I went to FC Platinum in mid 2014, we had a discussion with the former president (George Mawere). It was about winning the championship after three seasons. So, it happened after three seasons, that was in 2017. For the first time, the trophy went outside Harare. So, I think it was a record on its own.
“What made me happier is that from 2015 until 2025, no team has gone up to 78 points, winning the championship. We did it in 2018, even in 2022, we finished with 72 points. And these teams, which have been winning the championship, they are failing to reach 70 points. I don’t want to praise myself, but I think I left something in Zvishavane. There is something to talk about this club in Zvishavane.
“There is an identity about this club. So, I’m grateful to those people who I worked with, starting from Mr Mawere, and those people who came after him. I think we had a wonderful time, but like I said, everything comes to an end,” said Mapeza.
The man known for his cool demeanour triggered a dynasty in 2017, launching a four year title spree that only ended in 2021/22. The second title came in 2018. He then jetted off to South Africa weeks before the club secured their third crown in 2019, leaving Lizwe Sweswe to put the final stamp on that campaign. When he came back after Covid-19, he snatched another championship.
Now 53, Mapeza says he needs a breather, although whispers already link him to ambitious newcomers, Hardrock. “There are about 50 days (before the start of the new season). Fifty days to rest. Let me go and have time to fish,” he said.
His last lap at Mandava was a tough one. FC Platinum finished sixth with 49 points. Champions Scottland were miles ahead. Mapeza said he worked with a rebuilding squad that never fully settled. They were rocked by the death of midfielder Brian Banda in a road accident and the mid-season exit of star player, Thando Ngwenya.
“I don’t think it was one of our best seasons. We had also some problems during the season. We lost Brian (Banda), and to be honest, we failed to replace him. I think some of these guys also got affected. Then when Thando left, I thought it was going to be a motivation to some of the remaining guys. But still, if you saw what was happening (against Dynamos), it was in that final third where we were having challenges. So, whoever is going to come to the club, they need to fix that problem,” said Mapeza.
He still dreams of taking the Warriors to a World Cup one day. “I love football. I love to see football in this country develop, grow. My dream one day was to take this country to the World Cup. But maybe I won’t have the opportunity. But whoever is in charge of our national team, I’ll back him. I’ll give him a billion percent support,” he said.
FC Platinum saluted him in a statement, calling him the architect of their identity. “Beyond the titles and accolades, coach Mapeza built a club culture rooted in discipline, excellence and belief. The tactical brilliance and dedication not only brought silverware but inspired a generation of young players and fans. His influence reached far beyond the pitch, nurturing talent, creating opportunities and uplifting the broader Zvishavane community.”
The miners now stare at a future without the man who made them contenders, and the pressure to replace him will be enormous. Mandava has lost its anchor. The next chapter starts with more questions than answers.
