adminFrom Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum will next Tuesday unveil Norman Takanyariwa Mapeza as head coach, Chronicle can reveal. “I am sorry I can’t speak to you right now I am busy with school football. You are not the first person to ask me but the truth is I am not aware of the development,” said Mapeza when asked to comment.
Mapeza is believed to have signed a contract on Wednesday before Lloyd Mutasa was forced to resign the following day after he failed to meet his target of 11 points from the five-match ultimatum which had been given to him to save his job.
Mapeza who has been coaching Gateway College in the capital, has been on FC Platinum’s radar since the death of the late Benjamin Moyo.
FC Platinum however denied that they are bringing Mapeza.
“We are surprised hearing it from the papers. We are still to meet as an executive and decide on the coach to engage. We are looking at names in Zimbabwe and outside the country,” said George Mawere, the FC Platinum president.
Reliable sources however said yesterday that Mapeza said he was on his way to the mining town.
“I can confirm that Mapeza is officially FC Platinum coach and will be unveiled on Monday to the media and to the players the following day (Tuesday),” said the source.
The appointment of Mapeza pours cold water on Luke “Vahombe” Masomere’s hopes of joining the Platinum miners.
The day Mutasa tendered his resignation to Mawere, Masomere was in Zvishavane and unconfirmed reports say he had been promised the job.
According to reports, some executive members wanted Masomere but Mawere is said to have opted for Mapeza or a coach from outside the country.
The former national team coach started his career with the now defunct Darryn Textiles before moving to Europe to play for Sokot Pniewy in Poland.
He then played for Galatasaray SK, Ankaragua, Altay SK and Malatyaspor in the Turkish league. Mapeza is expected to take over from interim coach Patrick Mandizha who was thrust on the helm last Thursday to take charge of the Platinum versus How Mine match today.
Mapeza who will bring his own assistant, will however be expected to work with Mandizha who the platinum executive is keen to keep.
Meanwhile, Mandizha has described his appointment as a perfect birthday present.
Mandizha turns 38 today and he was elated that his appointment came at the right time.
Online Reporter