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Mapeza impressed as he starts work as FC Platinum

Sport
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza was a happy man after his first two training sessions in charge of the platinum miners.

FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza was a happy man after his first two training sessions in charge of the platinum miners.

MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Mapeza took over at the richly funded Premier Soccer League outfit, replacing Lloyd Mutasa who threw in the towel last week, and is assisted by Patrick Mandizha, who was in charge for only one game on a caretaker basis in last week’s impressive 2-1 win over How Mine.

The former Warriors head gaffer got down to business on Tuesday with one training session and was in charge of another training session on Wednesday.

NewsDay Sport caught up with the highly-rated mentor yesterday soon after his morning training session.

“So far so good, everything is fine. I am new here, but we have started well,” Mapeza said.

“I am still learning the new environment, but I hope to enjoy my time here.”

Mapeza has only previously worked with a handful of players at the club like Qadr Amini and Daniel Vheremu, but says he is unfazed about the little knowledge he has of other senior players.

“I have worked with some players before in the national team, but most of them we are starting here,” he said.

“Football is about creating a relationship with the players [and] telling the players what you need to achieve.”

Assistant coach Mandizha lauded the influence of his boss since his arrival.

“He is a very professional coach and everyone is delighted to work under him,” Mandizha said.

“The morale in the camp is very high with everyone eager to deliver for the team.

“He has a lot of experience and I think I will be able to learn a lot from him.

“With the little I have seen, I think our combination will be a huge success.”

His first assignment will be a home game against Bantu Rovers in the Chibuku Super Cup first round and a win is likely to give fans a renewed trust in their mentor.