FC PLATINUM gaffer Norman Mapeza is basking in glory, after he retained the prestigious Coach of the Year award for the second year running, following yet another successful Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) season at the helm of the platinum miners.
BY TERRY MADYAUTA
In a season where he suffered a horrific back injury, Mapeza staged a major comeback eight games into the season to lead FC Platinum’s title defence and also winning the second edition of the Castle Challenge Cup.
The former Warriors captain has gradually turned the platinum miners into a feared juggernaut on the local front that has left the traditional big guns chasing shadows.
“I am very happy, especially since this year was a difficult year due to the back surgery. It was difficult, but I soldiered on in pain to come back and achieve the club’s objectives,” he said.
“It was not easy for me and for the team, but only hard work and patience saw us through.
“The boys played their part, so did we. That, combined with the support from the executive, became our biggest strength as a team.
“I want to thank the club and all stakeholders for believing in us, that alone gave us the power to become the best in the league.
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“I hope this will continue as we aim to further the club’s goals.”
And as anticipated, FC Platinum dominated this term’s awards with three of their players making the grade into the Best XI.
Midfield enforcer Rodwell Chinyengetere joined the exclusive club of Zimbabwean greats such as George Shaya and Peter Ndlovu, who won consecutive Soccer Star of the Year awards.
The Baroka FC-bound forward also scooped the PSL Golden Boot award for netting 17 goals.
Coincidentally, Chinyengetere and Mapeza share a similar tale, after both their careers were threatened by injuries.
However, the two bravely rose from the ashes to fulfil their promising careers.
FC Platinum’s new boy Lameck Nhamo and defender Kelvin Moyo were the first and second runner-up respectively, while midfield enforcer Farai Madhanhanga also made it into the 2018 Best XI.
