HARARE – Norman Mapeza quit as coach of FC Platinum on Thursday blaming “burnout”.

Mapeza joined the Zvishavane club five years ago and he says he needs a rest, although speculation is rife that he could be making a switch to Mutare club, Manica Diamonds.

“Of course, there will be speculation but I can tell you that I just needed a rest and, after meeting with the club president George Mawere, we agreed that was in my best interest,” the 47-year-old told the Herald.

He added: “I have been working non-stop for five years now at the same club, it’s not easy, but I have nothing against FC Platinum or anyone at the club and we won together and lost together as a team.

“My record there speaks for itself but I’m the only one who knows my body and when it requires rest and that’s what I will do and see what happens in January.”

Reports of a fallout between Mapeza and his assistant Lizwe Sweswe have persisted for months.

Manica Diamonds are without a substantive head coach following the departure of Luke Masomere.

Club chiefs are said to be quietly confident that Mapeza, who hails from Manicaland, will join them.

Mapeza led Platinum to back-to-back league titles over the last two years.