The decision comes just days after Scottland suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Angolan side Petro de Luanda in the second leg of their second preliminary round tie. Despite taking a 2-0 first-leg advantage into the return fixture in Luanda — thanks to goals from Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona — the Mabvuku-based side collapsed and exited the competition 3-2 on aggregate.
The result ended Scottland’s hopes of reaching the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition for the first time. Club sources confirmed that Mapeza was served with his dismissal letter on Sunday after a meeting with the executive.
The sacking has raised eyebrows in Zimbabwean football circles because Scottland remain competitively placed in the domestic league. The defending champions currently sit second in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, trailing leaders Hardrock FC, although they still have games in hand.
Mapeza, a highly experienced coach who previously enjoyed success at FC Platinum and had a brief spell in South Africa with Chippa United, joined Scottland in November 2025. He was tasked with guiding the ambitious, well-resourced club both domestically and on the continental stage.
His departure also includes members of his technical team. Former Zimbabwe international and Warriors captain Peter Ndlovu, who had been serving as team manager, has been handed interim charge of the side for the remainder of the season.
Ndlovu, a CAF A Licence holder and one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated players, will now attempt to steady the ship as Scottland look to salvage their title defence and compete in the remaining domestic cup competitions.
The club’s hierarchy has made it clear that continental progress was a priority this season. The failure to convert a two-goal lead against Petro de Luanda proved the final straw, despite the side’s relatively strong league position.
Scottland still have several league matches left and remain in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, but the focus now shifts to finding a permanent replacement for Mapeza and ensuring the squad remains motivated during a critical phase of the campaign.
The rapid change of coach underlines the high expectations at the Mabvuku club under owner Scott Sakupwanya, who has invested heavily in building a competitive force both at home and in Africa.