Scottland battle to fill Norman Mapeza void
Embattled Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Scottland are racing to rebuild their technical team following the dismissal of head coach Norman Mapeza, with former Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive among the names being considered to assist interim coach Peter Ndlovu.
The club’s hierarchy spent much of yesterday in a series of meetings aimed at charting a new course following Mapeza’s departure on Sunday, two days after their maiden CAF Champions League ended in disappointment.
Scottland are also understood to be monitoring the situation of Dynamos coach Aristica Cioaba, although the Romanian tactician remains under contract with the Harare giants until 2027.
Former Warriors coaches Baltemar Brito and Michael Nees have also been linked with the club as possible long-term options.
But in the meantime, the focus is on assembling a functional backroom staff as Mapeza is expected to exit the stage along with his trusted lieutenants who include his long-serving assistant coach Daniel Veremu.
Sources yesterday said a series of meetings took place yesterday to finalise the separation with Mapeza while interim coach Ndlovu was also consulted on potential assistants ahead of his first assignment in charge against CAPS United at Rufaro on Thursday.
The club confirmed yesterday that Ndlovu, who has been serving as the team manager, will temporarily hold fort while the hunt for a substantive head coach continues behind the scenes.
“Scottland FC advises its stakeholders, supporters and the football fraternity that it has parted ways with head coach Norman Mapeza with immediate effect,” said a statement from Scottland.
“The club thanks coach Mapeza for his service, commitment and contribution during his tenure and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
“Peter Ndlovu, who has been the team manager, has been appointed interim head coach as the club works towards appointing a substantive successor.”
Ndlovu, a holder of a CAF A Licence, steps into the role with little coaching experience at senior level.
This will be his first appointment in the role after he was elevated to fill the vacancy, with four games remaining in the season.
Mapeza paid the price for Scottland’s disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League after a 3-0 defeat to Angola’s Petro de Luanda in the decisive second leg of their second-round tie at the weekend.
The Mabvuku-based side appeared to have one foot in the group stages after securing a 2-0 first-leg advantage at the National Sports Stadium. However, they capitulated in Angola, conceding three unanswered goals to crash out 3-2 on aggregate.
The result came as a major setback to the club’s ambitious in the continental project.
Club president Scott Sakupwanya had publicly prioritised success in the CAF Champions League and backed his words with significant investment into the personnel and financial needs of the club.
With their continental dream over, their Chibuku Super Cup campaign already ended and their league title defence under severe pressure, Mapeza’s position had become increasingly untenable.
Scottland have lost significant ground in the domestic title race as they trail leaders Hardrock by eight points, albeit with two matches in hand.
Their destiny is no longer in their hands as they would still fall two points behind Hardrock even with victories in those outstanding fixtures.
Mabviravira will now hope the abrupt changes do not invite further complications to a delicate season, as they seek maximum points from their remaining fixtures to keep their fading title hopes alive.
“Scottland FC remains firmly focused on its objectives for the remainder of the season and is committed to maintaining stability, unity and a competitive spirit within the team,” the club said.
“The club values the unwavering support of its stakeholders and supporters and calls for their continued trust and encouragement as we navigate this transition.”
*Fixture:* Thursday — CAPS Utd v Scottland (Rufaro Stadium) *_-Herald_*
