Mapeza for another Super Diski dance

Fungai Muderere
DURBAN-based premiership side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) are reportedly speaking to Norman Mapeza’s handlers with an intention to rope in the former Warriors captain and coach in their technical setup.

TTM will be campaigning in Mzansi’ top flight next season after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) approved the sale of Bidvest Wits to Limpopo businessman and TTM owner Masala Mulaudzi.

Reasons for the hasty sale of the historic club which was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021, were not explained in detail.

Head of Mapeza’s management team Gibson Mahachi said: “I can confirm that we are speaking to TTM who showed interest in hiring Norman Mapeza. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal more details but discussions are still going on.”

TTM reportedly intend to relocate to Limpopo, where they would play their home matches at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

Mahachi dismissed word that Zambia’s elite football league side Zesco United were also eyeing the signature of Mapeza.

“We haven’t heard anything from Zesco and it’s not true that Mapeza is intending to go to Zambia,” said Mahachi.

The Zimbabwean coach boasts of a success story at Chippa United, a club he inherited at the abyss of the log and converted them into one whose fans even dreamt of a Top Eight finish. Chippa barely avoided being demoted last season and have now made wholesale changes as coach Lehlohonolo Seema looks to take charge of his first pre-season. Seema was the fifth coach to take charge of Chippa United in just one season. He replaced Rulani Mokwena while Clinton Larsen, Duran Francis and Mapeza were the others who occupied the post last season.

Chippa United owner Siviwe “Chippa’’ Mpengesi, even said Mapeza was the Pitso Mosimane of Zimbabwean football and at one time placed a R20 million (about US$1.87m) release clause on the former Warriors skipper to deter potential suitors.

Mahachi reiterated Mapeza was not forced to throw in the towel because of serious differences with the club owner, maverick businessman Mpengesi.

“Mapeza and Mpengesi were in good books, and they remain so,’’ said Mahachi.

He added: “Like we have said in the past, Mapeza’s decision to quit his post, as the Chippa United gaffer, was a well-informed one and professional. The two (Mapeza and Mpengesi) are still very close. We appreciate the fact that Mapeza had a chance to work for Chippa United and the work he did there is tremendous.”

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