Norman Mapeza’s Scottland FC future uncertain after CAF Champions League exit

Former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza is reportedly facing an uncertain future at Scottland FC after the club’s CAF Champions League campaign ended at the preliminary stage.

Scottland were knocked out on Friday after losing 3-0 to Petro de Luanda in Angola. The result overturned their 2-0 victory in the first leg and sent the Angolan side through 3-2 on aggregate.

The defeat brought Scottland’s debut appearance in Africa’s leading club competition to an end before the group stage. The club are now understood to be reviewing their technical leadership, although no official announcement has been made about Mapeza’s position.

According to Soccer24, Scottland have started assessing possible replacements. Dynamos coach Aristica Cioaba and former Zimbabwe national team coach Michael Nees are among the candidates linked with the role.

Cioaba reportedly first choice

Cioaba is believed to be the leading contender to succeed Mapeza, while Nees is also under consideration because of his previous spell in charge of the Zimbabwe Warriors.

Soccer24 further reports that Scottland team manager Peter Ndlovu could take temporary charge for the rest of the season if Mapeza leaves. A permanent appointment could then be made before the start of the next campaign.

The uncertainty comes with Scottland still involved in a close domestic title race.

They are second in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with 61 points, eight behind leaders Hardrock FC, who have 69. Scottland have played two matches fewer than the leaders, however, and remain in contention with four fixtures still to play.

The club’s chances of adding another trophy this season have been reduced by their elimination from the Chibuku Super Cup. The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is now their only remaining opportunity to claim silverware.

Any decision over Mapeza’s future would therefore come during an important period for Scottland, with the team attempting to protect their title defence while adapting to the disappointment of their early continental exit.