Scottland set to part ways with Mapeza at end of the season

Scottland FC are reportedly preparing to part ways with head coach Norman Mapeza at the end of the season, bringing uncertainty over the future of one of Zimbabwean football’s most respected tacticians at the ambitious Harare club.

The reported development comes amid mounting pressure on the defending Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions, who are battling to retain their domestic crown while also competing in their debut season in the CAF Champions League.

Mapeza joined Scottland in November 2025 on a two-year contract after guiding FC Platinum through a successful spell that included league titles.

His appointment followed Scottland’s decision not to renew Tonderai Ndiraya’s contract after the former Dynamos midfielder led the club to its maiden Premiership title.

The former Warriors coach arrived at Mabviravira with enormous expectations, having been tasked with building a team capable of competing for domestic honours and making an impression on the continental stage.

However, despite Scottland trailing log leaders Hardrock by just two points heading into the final four games of the season and progressing to the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, there seems to be some dissatisfaction on the part of the club’s leadership.

Club president Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya personally went to the dressing room to address the players at half-time during the CAF Champions League game against Nsingizini Hotspurs at the National Sports Stadium last month, a move which fuelled speculation about the leadership’s displeasure.

Norman Mapeza in a during a press conference. Picture by Fanzone

MAPEZA’S EXIT LOOMING AS SCOTTLAND CEDE GROUND TO HARDROCK IN PSL RACE

A source at Scottland told Fanzone that all indications point to Mapeza being shown the exit door at the end of the current season, regardless of how it ends.

“What I can tell you is that it’s either the coach will be shown the exit door or he will simply leave on his own accord. It’s one of the two,” the source said.

“Things have not really gone according to plan and the fact that the team was at some point eight points clear at the top but has since surrendered top spot has not gone down well with a lot of people at the institution.

“Similarly, the fact that we were knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup and only scrapped through to the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup on penalties has further complicated the issue,” the source added.

Mapeza’s future has since become a major talking point as the season approaches its decisive stages.The experienced coach, however, has continued to insist that Scottland remain focused on their objectives, refusing to concede defeat in the title race even when results have gone against his side.

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