Mapeza

Dumped out of the Nedbank Cup, coach Norman Mapeza will now channel his focus into keeping Chippa United in the top flight of SA soccer.

He was chosen ahead of Bidvest Wits’ Gavin Hunt and Norman Mapeza of Chippa United by a panel of experts made up of commentators, analysts and former players.

In the previous edition, FC Platinum managed just one point in the group stages under Mapeza.

Anything other than maximum points could see Mapeza and his lieutenants lose more ground to Caps United, who themselves have issues to overcome as they host Chicken Inn on Sunday.

But against City it was there because I insisted that we work on that in training‚” Mapeza explained.

Chippa named the Zimbabwean international as the club’s new coach on Tuesday, but assistant coach Mbuyiselo Sambu was on the bench for the Wits fixture as Mapeza is awaiting his work permit.

It will be interesting to see how Mapeza will set up his backline, as they miss the services of Lawrence Mhlanga, who is on national duty.

Jailos Mapeza, head of Mazozo Community Day Secondary School, and Joseph Moyo, head of Njuyu Community Day Secondary School, arrived in Oban on Saturday December 7 and flew back home on Sunday December 15.

Mapeza looked a frustrated figure as the chaos unfolded, but remained optimistic that the travelling huddle will not affect his players.

Mapeza said the match against DeMbare was a huge clash, whose challenge they were looking forward to.

Norman Mapeza has revealed his next move following his departure at FC Platinum.

The sources said the club were still interested in the services of high-profile coaches — former Warriors gaffers Callisto Pasuwa and Norman Mapeza.

We have struggled against them except when we beat them in the Challenge Cup, but that is all in the past,” Mapeza said.

FC Platinum could advance to the group stages even with a goalless draw on the away goals rule but coach Norman Mapeza emphasised the need for his charges to secure an outright victory.

FC Platinum gaffer Mapeza, who notched his third league medal having also won the title with Monomotapa before, was elated as he continued to propel the Zvishavane side to greater heights.

Mapeza has looked beyond the country’s borders as he seeks to create a squad that can make a mark in the African Champions League this year.

Mapeza’s men needed to hold their nerves on the last day of the league programme last season to beat Chapungu away and ensure they pip Dynamos to the title by just two points.

Masuku has been named in the FC Platinum squad for the CAF Champions League and the move would mean Norman Mapeza will have to make last minute alterations to his squad ahead of the CAF deadline tonight.

While FC Platinum have bagged back-to-back championships, with their latest triumph being spiced up by a 13-point winning advantage over nearest rivals Ngezi Platinum, Champions League is a different stage and Mapeza's men need to show their mettle.