Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

A NEW era beckons for FC Platinum following the departure of history-making coach Norman Mapeza and his assistant Daniel Veremu.

Mapeza sat for his last match in charge on Sunday when the platinum miners played a goalless draw with giants Dynamos at Rufaro to end a marriage that had spanned 10 years.

The club also announced yesterday they were parting ways with assistant coach Veremu, a loyal servant who started off as a player before assuming the role of assistant coach.

But assistant coach Darlington Dodo will remain, as the club hunt for Mapeza’s replacement.

FC Platinum, who were promoted in 2011, transformed into a championship-winning side under Mapeza to earn their place among the top four teams in terms of domestic league titles.

Mapeza had his highs at FC Platinum, winning three league titles, three Castle Challenge Cups and two Chibuku Super Cups during a 10-year stint.

“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,” Mapeza said.

“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.

Mapeza gave Pure Platinum Play their maiden title in 2017 to begin a historic four-peat that stretched to the 2021/22 season.

FC Platinum won their second title under Mapeza in 2018.

But he left the Zvishavane-based side just before they won their third championship in 2019 to join Chippa United in South Africa.

His assistant Lizwe Sweswe completed the job.

Mapeza returned after the Covid-19 break and added the 2021-22 title.

The 53-year-old former Zimbabwe international has hinted he will need to take a short break, although he has been linked heavily to newly promoted side 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.

Reflecting on his last season at the platinum miners, Mapeza was obviously dissatisfied after finishing on sixth place, with 49 points. FC Platinum were 20 points behind champions Scottland. Mapeza said they had a virtually new squad and most of the players were still adapting to the environment. They also lost midfielder Brian Banda through a road accident and their best player this season Thando Ngwenya who moved to South Africa.