Scottland FC have parted ways with coach Norman Mapeza following their dramatic CAF Champions League exit, with Mamelodi Sundowns legend Peter Ndlovu stepping in as interim coach for the remainder of the 2026 season, FARPost can reveal.
Mapeza’s departure comes after Scottland FC’s return from Angola, where they squandered a two-goal first-leg advantage to crash out 3-2 on aggregate to Petro de Luanda after a 3-0 defeat in Luanda in the second preliminary round.
The defeat was a bitter pill for Scottland, who are owned by Scott Sakupwanya, a Zimbabwean mining mogul. The latter has invested heavily in a bid to become a continental force.
No official communication has been made regarding the matter, but FARPost has it on good authority that the two parties are currently discussing Mapeza’s severance package.
The Harare-based outfit had arguably conducted the best transfer business in Zimbabwe in the off-season, acquiring top talent including former Betway Premiership stars. Expectations were high for a deep run in what is their debut appearance in Africa’s premier club competition.
After edging past Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini in the first preliminary round, Scottland looked on course for the group stages after winning the first leg of their second-round tie 2-0 against Petro. However, they collapsed in the return leg to bow out.
PETER NDLOVU SET TO FINISH THE SEASON IN-CHARGE OF SCOTTLAND FC
Furthermore, the continental failure added to a frustrating domestic campaign for Mapeza. The four-time Zim PSL champion has seen Scottland knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup and fall behind in the league title race, where they are currently playing second fiddle to newcomers Hardrock FC.
Mapeza leaves with his assistant, Daniel Vheremu, and goalkeepers’ coach, Daniel Khumalo. Ndlovu, formerly with Mamelodi Sundowns as team manager, now takes charge on an interim basis as Scottland look to salvage their domestic campaign.
Under Mapeza, Ndlovu served as the team manager. The former Zimbabwe national team captain is a CAF A Coaching Licence holder, making him a perfect fit for the job.
Meanwhile, Ndlovu will have four matches to impress the Scottland FC management before the end of the campaign. The ambitious outfit’s remaining league fixtures will see them take on Chicken Inn FC, CAPS United, Herentals College FC, and Triangle United.
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