Mapeza sacked by Scottland FC after CAF Champions League exit

Former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza has been sacked by Zimbabwean defending champions Scottland FC following their elimination from the CAF Champions League, bringing an abrupt end to his spell at the ambitious club.

According to The Herald, Scottland dismissed Mapeza with immediate effect on Sunday, 25 October 2026, a day after their disappointing defeat to Angolan giants Petro de Luanda.

The club had been hoping to reach the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition for the first time.

Scottland travelled to Angola with a 2-0 first-leg advantage but suffered a 3-0 defeat, losing the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

The result ended their continental ambitions after goals from Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona had put them in a commanding position in the first leg.

The club has also faced pressure in its domestic title defence, trailing league leaders Hardrock FC by eight points, although Scottland have two games in hand.

Mapeza’s achievements at FC Platinum

Mapeza joined Scottland in November 2025 after leaving FC Platinum, where he had built a reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s most successful coaches.

During his time at the Zvishavane-based club, he won three Premier Soccer League titles in 2017, 2018 and 2022. He also lifted the Chibuku Super Cup twice, in 2015 and 2021.

His experience in continental football was among the reasons Scottland appointed him to lead their maiden CAF Champions League campaign.

Mapeza had previously guided both Monomotapa and FC Platinum to the Champions League group stages, giving him valuable experience in navigating African club competitions.

He also won the 2026 Castle Challenge Cup with Scottland after a commanding 5-0 victory over Dynamos in March.

Mapeza’s mark in South African football

Mapeza also had a stint in South Africa’s top-flight football, taking charge of Chippa United during the 2019/20 season.

He joined the Eastern Cape club in October 2019 after leaving FC Platinum and helped steady the team during a difficult campaign.

According to Zimbabwe News Now, he recorded six league victories during his time at Chippa, helping the club remain above the relegation zone.

However, his spell in the South African Premier Soccer League ended in March 2020 following a reported disagreement over the responsibilities of the technical team.

Mapeza’s departure from Scottland now raises questions about the club’s immediate plans as it attempts to recover from its continental disappointment and revive its challenge for the Zimbabwean league title.