Former Chippa coach Norman Mapeza win Zimbabwe title with three games to spare

Ex-Chippa United mentor Norman Mapeza has dubbed his third title with FC Platinum as the most ‘special’ one among the club’s four titles.

FC Platinum were crowned champions on Saturday following a sterling season, where they ended the season sitting on a 21-match unbeaten run, with 75 points on their tally.

MAPEZA’S THIRD TITLE WITH FC PLATINUM

They joined Dynamos in the exclusive of clubs that won four titles on the trot. 

Dynamos achieved this feat from 2011 to 2014, then under the tutelage of veteran gaffer Kalisto Pasuwa.

However, what makes this one special for Mapeza is the fact that he won it with a squad dominated by rookie players with an average age of 24.

“For the club, this is their third one, but personally, this is my third with the club. We did well, and this is a special one, different from the two I presided on,” Mapeza said.

“What makes this special is the fact that this season, we had rookies, not the seasoned players we had in the other seasons.

“We parted ways with a number of senior players early this year, but we still did well. This team is a special group, and I can tell you that we will even achieve more next season.”

They won the PSL title with three games to spare, and for Mapeza, this is a sign of brighter prospects.

“We did well, and we pushed until the end. The fact that we won this with three games to spare means we can even achieve better in the future. 

“All in all, I sum it up as my best season. We did everything that was needed, although we faced serious competition from all teams. 

ROSE ABOUT WATER

“The boys showed character. They rose above the waters to achieve this because at the start, we parted ways with players, and a lot was also said about our future.”

Throughout the season, Mapeza’s team was driven by former Premier Soccer League stars Walter Musona, formerly with Polokwane City and Blessing Moyo, formerly with Maritzburg United.

However, Moyo missed out on the golden boot, having ended the season with 14 goals on their tally, two goals behind Caps United forward William Manondo.

Manondo, however, can extend his goal tally when Caps United face Dynamos on Sunday.