Former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza has undoubtedly carved a niche in Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
For his exploits, the former Zimbabwe international, Norman Mapeza thrives on mainly three reasons as a shrewd tactician.
Last season, he helped FC Platinum win their forth title on the trot which was his third title as head coach.
And as the 2023 season beckons, all eyes are on the former DStv Premiership coach, how he will model his team this time.
The season will kick start with the famed Castle Challenge Cup on 18 March.
In this one, the league winners FC Platinum take on Bulawayo Chiefs who won the Chibuku Super Cup.
WHY NORMAN MAPEZA HAS BEEN DOMINANT
As it stands, Mapeza has been playing cards close to his chest in the small mining town of Zvishavane.
While other perennial campaigners have been busy on the market, luring seasoned players, Mapeza is polishing rough gems in the club’s developmental side.
Last season, Mapeza parted ways with several senior players, among them Rodwell Chinyengetere, formerly with Baroka FC.
Former Azam striker Donald Ngoma was also released, as Mapeza promoted players from the clubs’ Under-19 side.
BELIEVING IN UNHERALDED PLAYERS
At first they struggled but he oiled them until they won the 2021/22 championship, equalling Dynamos’ record of four consecutive titles.
It is Mapeza’s belief and trust in unheralded players that has made FC Platinum unpredictable.
Last season he unleashed youthful strikers Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and Oscar Bhebhe, and they mesmerised the elite league.
Ngwenya was one of the top performing rookies although he missed on the award to Jayden Barake.
The presence of exceptional players like former Polokwane City midfielder Walter Musona has also helped the team sail through.
So far, they have signed three players, former Simba SC striker Perfect Chikwende, Jarrison Selemani and Misheck Ngwenya.
MAINTAINING A TIGHT GRIP ON PLAYERS
Moreso, the gaffer’s tight grip on players on and off the field has helped streamline their behaviour.
Just like Kaizer Chiefs’ Arthur Zwane, Mapeza is on the record stating the kind of lifestyle he requires from his players.
Mapeza is aggressive in stating that he doesn’t like players who drink alcohol.
At some point, he asked the club to put alcohol Breathalyzer test kits at the club’s training ground. The aim was to test players before starting training sessions.
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