Story by Raynald Ngwarati
ZVISHAVANE-based Premier Soccer League outfit, FC Platinum, is today bidding farewell to long-serving coach Norman Mapeza, who leads the team for the final time this afternoon when they face Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium.
The club confirmed the development on its social media platforms, releasing an emotional tribute to the man who has guided them for the past decade.
In their statement, FC Platinum recalled Mapeza’s arrival in 2014.
“In August 2014, Mandava Stadium opened its doors to a celebrated football man, Norman Mapeza, ushering in what would become a historic era of success in the Midlands.”
The club noted that Mapeza has taken charge of 360 matches, becoming the face of the Platinum project.
“From his first match to an incredible 360 games at the helm of FC Platinum, Coach Mapeza has embodied the true spirit of what it means to be a Platso. It has been a decade of glory and transformative football that reshaped our club’s identity,” they wrote.
Mapeza guided the team to major honours, including three Premier Soccer League titles and three Castle Challenge Cups.
The titles came in 2017, 2018, and 2022.
He has four league titles to his name, having also led Monomotapa to glory in 2008.
FC Platinum praised not only the trophies but the culture the coach built.
“Beyond the titles and accolades, Coach Mapeza built a club culture rooted in discipline, excellence and belief,” the club said.
The club credited his tactical brilliance and community influence, saying he “inspired a generation of young players and fans” and “uplifted the broader Zvishavane community.”
“Over these 10 years, we have grown together, reached milestones, and written our own chapter in Zimbabwean football history,” the club added.
They described Mapeza, affectionately known as Muchina weMajuzi, as a legendary figure whose passion on the touchline and leadership on the African stage will remain part of FC Platinum’s identity.
As the era comes to an end, FC Platinum closed their tribute with words of gratitude.
“Thank you, Moyo Chirandu. Once a Platso, Always a Platso,” FC Platinum on social media said.
Mapeza takes charge of his final match later today against Dynamos, marking the end of one of the most successful coaching tenures in local football and could potentially inflict misery on the PSL record holders, who are in a deep struggle for survival.
After five years in charge of Platinum, Mapeza had a stint at Chippa United in South Africa in 2019 before rejoining Pure Platinum Play in 2020.
He went on to manage the team for another five years but will bid farewell today as the season comes to an end.
