HARARE – Defending Premier Soccer League champions Scottland are quietly searching for a new coach after club chiefs resolved to replace Norman Mapeza, ZimLive understands.

The expensively assembled Scottland lead the title race by three points from Hardrock, but club bosses are reportedly unhappy with the team’s performances.

“In the background, a decision has been made to replace Mapeza. He is seen as arrogant and players complain that he is vindictive. A change will be made soon,” a club source said.

Mapeza was appointed Scottland coach in November last year after leaving FC Platinum.

Scottland have won 16 of their 27 matches this season, drawing nine and losing twice.

The number of draws has been a particular source of frustration for club owner Scott Sakupwanya, as they have allowed Hardrock to remain within striking distance, sources said.

Scottland have cast their net wide in the search for Mapeza’s replacement, including approaching coaches in Europe.

“Sakupwanya wants the club to be playing free-flowing football. He believes the investment made in players should make them untouchable domestically, but the title race is too close for comfort,” the source said.

Scottland’s unconvincing performances come just weeks before the start of their CAF Champions League campaign.

They will face Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini in the first leg of the preliminary round on the weekend of September 4-6, with the return leg scheduled for the following weekend.

Should they progress, they will face the winner of the tie between Mozambique’s União do Songo and Atlético Petróleos de Luanda of Angola.

The first leg of the second preliminary round is scheduled for October 16-18, with the return matches set for October 23-25.

There is a growing feeling within the club that Mapeza is not the man to lead the team into its continental campaign. Club chiefs are also concerned that the fixture congestion could disrupt their domestic title bid, with Hardrock breathing down their necks.

Mapeza is believed to have signed a three-year contract, but compensation is unlikely to be an obstacle for Scottland’s deep-pocketed owners.

Sakupwanya, one of Zimbabwe’s top gold traders, has poured millions of dollars into the club. Scottland are also backed by millionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who is reported to be the club’s chief sponsor.

Scottland chairman Denny Marandure declined to comment.