BULAWAYO – FC Platinum have reappointed Norman Mapeza as coach following the shock departure of Dutchman Pieter De Jongh after 11 months, a club statement said.
FC Platinum chairman Fabian Mashingaidze said De Jongh had left “for the greater good of the club,” citing a decision of the Confederation of African Football that only coaches with CAF A licence can lead clubs taking part in the Champions League. De Jongh has a UEFA A licence obtained in his native Netherlands.
“Our most sincere thanks go to coach De Jongh and his colleagues who were unrelenting in their efforts to get the club back competing at the level we all expected and demanded,” Mashingaidze said in a statement.
“Circumstances outside both parties’ expectations have necessitated the position. The management board and executive wish coach De Jongh all the success in his future endeavours.”
Mashingaidze said they were pleased to welcome back Mapeza, who quit unexpectedly last September as Platinum were on the verge of winning the Premier League title.
“Mapeza takes over the club fully aware of the club’s vision which he has taken part in building and now seeks to attain in a fresh challenge. He comes in ready to go,” the FC Platinum chairman added.
FC Platinum are Zimbabwe’s representatives in the CAF Champions League which has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. De Jongh also left Platinum without leading them in a Premier League match after the 2020 season was scrapped.
