Scottland FC boss Mapeza describes emotions ahead of FC Platinum duel

Zimbabwe’s decorated coach Norman Mapeza spent over a decade building his trophy-laden empire at FC Platinum before taking on his current job at Scottland FC.

Between 2014 and 2024, the former Zimbabwe coach turned the miners into a formidable force, winning three Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles. sportbet.reviews

On Saturday, he will try to dismantle the very same giant he built at Mandava Stadium. Mapeza will lead his new employers, Scottland FC into battle against FC Platinum while carrying a weight of emotions.

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Why Mapeza is emotional

“The boys have been working hard knowing exactly that we are going to face a very good team on Saturday FC Platinum. So far, so good,” the ex-Warriors star said.

“It is an emotional feeling. I have been in Zvishavane for nearly a decade—about 10 years and a half—so I have so many friends. It was like my second home, so it is an emotional feeling going back to a place where I grew up as a coach.”

Despite the emotional attachment with the miners, the coach knows that his side needs to focus on collecting maximum points.

“Like I said, I had so many friends there but at the end of the day, we are going there to play a game of football. I am with Scottland FC and now it is very important to go there and try to come back home with a positive result,” the coach added.

Scottland FC desperate to bounce back

The Castle Lager PSL champions are desperate to bounce from last Sunday’s shock 2-1 loss to Simba Bhora, a result that breached their unbeaten run.

Mapeza said the defeat affected some players psychologically, but he had tried to lift them up.

“Usually, some players tend to struggle mentally, but we spoke to the boys when we started training on Tuesday, that in this industry, it is part of this journey. There was a point where we were going to drop points and this happened on Sunday. However, in terms of performance, we did well. If we had buried those chances, we could have been talking a different story,” he added.

After last weekend’s defeat the Castle Lager PSL defending champions lie in third position on the log standings, trailing five points behind the early pacesetters, CAPS United.

Castle Lager PSL Fixtures

• All games kick off at 3pm Southern African Time

Saturday, 9 May

MWOS FC v Chicken Inn FC

FC Platinum v Scottland FC

FC Hunters v Ngezi Platinum Stars

TelOne FC v HardRock FC

Simba Bhora v ZPC Kariba

Bulawayo Chiefs v Herentals College FC

Image: Mapeza: Scottland FC

Manica Diamonds v Agama FC

Sunday, 10 May

Highlanders FC v Triangle United

Dynamos FC v CAPS United

Kaizer Chiefs may have frustrated Mamelodi Sundowns in Tshwane on Wednesday night, but former Amakhosi winger Junior Khanye believes the bigger talking point was Themba Zwane’s performance.

The Betway Premiership clash ended 1-1 at Loftus Versfeld and the result suddenly reopened the title race. Sundowns remain top of the table on 65 points after 28 matches, but Orlando Pirates are now only three points behind with a game in hand.

JUNIOR KHANYE QUESTIONS THEMBA ZWANE’S LEVEL

Khanye did not hold back in his assessment of Zwane, saying the experienced midfielder looked off the pace and failed to influence the match before being withdrawn at half-time.

Zwane has endured a difficult season disrupted by injuries and fitness setbacks. The 35-year-old has mostly been used from the bench this campaign, although he started Sundowns’ last three matches, including the clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

Khanye believes Sundowns lose an important attacking dimension when Zwane starts ahead of Nuno Santos, who made an impact after coming on in the second half.

“I’ll complement the Sundowns midfield, which is Jayden Adams, [Marcelo] Allende and [Teboho] Mokoena they did very well,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.

“Mshishi was the weakest link at Sundowns I need to be honest with you. We have to make peace. Mshishi has done well for South African football but truly speaking lately at Sundowns…”

The outspoken analyst argued that modern football now demands more intensity and urgency, especially in attacking areas.

NUNO SANTOS PRAISED FOR CHANGING THE GAME

Khanye felt Santos immediately lifted Sundowns when he entered the field, bringing direct running and more energy in the final third.

“I mean if you are going to bench Nuno [Santos] for Mshishi it’s a problem that’s my observation. I know football is a game of opinions but the game needs speed these days.

“Speed but not just running for the sake of running however when it’s necessary. Nuno added speed, there was a spark and a sense of urgency, but Mshishi’s run off the ball, nothing.”

Despite the criticism directed at Zwane, Khanye still praised Sundowns’ midfield trio of Adams, Allende and Mokoena for controlling large parts of the game.

The draw against Kaizer Chiefs has now increased pressure on Sundowns heading into the closing weeks of the season, especially with Pirates gaining momentum at exactly the right time.

DO YOU AGREE WITH JUNIOR KHANYE?

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