Norman Mapeza Biography: Early Life | Football Career | Coaching Career | Personal Life

This is the biography of Norman Takanyariwa Mapeza, a renowned Zimbabwean football manager and former player.

 

Early Life

Mapeza was born on April 12, 1972, in Honde Valley. Mapeza arrived in Harare when he was just five years old. After his biological mother passed away in 1986, he was raised by a stepmother. His father, Michael Mapeza, passed away in a private hospital in Harare on January 7, 2020, at the age of 81. Mapeza confirmed his father’s death, mentioning that his father had been admitted to the hospital on January 4, 2021, displaying symptoms consistent with Covid-19.

 

Norman Mapeza Football Career

During his playing days, he was known for his roles as a defender and midfielder. Mapeza’s club career began with Darryn Textiles F.C. in Harare, and he later moved to Europe to play with Sokół Pniewy in the Polish Ekstraklasa for the 1993–94 season. He also played for several clubs in the Turkish Super Lig, including Galatasaray S.K., Ankaragücü, Altay S.K., and Malatyaspor.

 

Notably, he became only the second Zimbabwean player to participate in the UEFA Champions League, making appearances with Galatasaray in 1990.

After a successful stint in Turkey, Mapeza returned to Africa, where he continued to play at a high level. He joined CAPS United in Zimbabwe and later moved to Ajax Cape Town in South Africa, where he also took on a role as a playing assistant coach.

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Norman Mapeza Coaching Career

After hanging up his boots, Mapeza took on the role of manager at Monomotapa United in July 2007. His tenure was short-lived, however, as he resigned from the position in 2008. Despite this early setback, Mapeza’s managerial potential was clear, and he soon found himself in a familiar role, albeit on a larger stage, as the caretaker manager of Zimbabwe’s national football team, the Warriors. His first interim appointment came in August and September 2007, followed by another in May 2009. Mapeza’s commitment to the national team was evident, but his third spell, starting in March 2011, was marred by a suspension in February 2012 due to allegations of match-fixing.

Mapeza returned to club management with F.C. Platinum in August 2014. His leadership over the next five years would bring notable successes to the club. Seeking new challenges, Mapeza ventured to South Africa in October 2019 to manage Chippa United in the Premier Soccer League. His time there was brief, and by March 2020, he had parted ways with the club.

 

 

Mapeza’s bond with F.C. Platinum drew him back to Zimbabwe, where he resumed his managerial duties until September 2020. The national team beckoned once more, and in 2021, Mapeza answered the call to serve as the caretaker manager of the Warriors again. His ongoing role with Platinum, which he resumed in 2021, continues to this day. in 2024, he was appointed again Warriors interim coach.

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Norman Mapeza Personal Life

Norman Mapeza tends to keep his personal life private. However, it is known that he is married and has a family. In a public event, he introduced his wife and son during a match.

 

References

• Norman Mapeza appointed Warriors interim head coach -New Zimbabwe
• Norman Mapeza – Manager profile – Transfermarkt
• Norman Mapeza (Coach) – National Football teams