Peter Ndlovu has taken charge of Scottland FC on an interim basis following the departure of Norman Mapeza, with the Zimbabwean champions seeking to rescue their domestic campaign after a disappointing CAF Champions League exit.
The former Warriors captain, who served as the club’s team manager, has been handed responsibility for the team while Scottland consider their options for a permanent head coach.
Mapeza’s departure follows Scottland’s 3-0 defeat by Angola’s Petro de Luanda on Friday, which saw the Harare club surrender a two-goal first-leg advantage and lose their second-round tie 3-2 on aggregate.
The result ended Scottland’s hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage in their debut appearance in the competition.
Ndlovu handed immediate challenge
Ndlovu’s first task will be to keep Scottland FC in contention for the Premier Soccer League title as the club approaches the final stretch of the season.
The defending champions are eight points behind league leaders Hardrock, although they have two games in hand. They are also competing in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, leaving the club with domestic silverware still to pursue.
Scottland are scheduled to face CAPS United on Thursday, giving the new interim coach little time to settle into the role.
Reports indicate that Scottland Academy coach Danger Fourpence will assist Ndlovu. Veteran striker Knowledge Musona will take on a player-assistant coach role, with goalkeeper Talbert Shumba joining the coaching staff.
Ndlovu holds a CAF A coaching licence, a qualification that strengthens his credentials for the temporary role. He previously worked as team manager at Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa before joining Scottland FC.
Mapeza departure follows Champions League disappointment
Mapeza took charge of Scottland FC ahead of the 2026 season, replacing Tonderai Ndiraya, who had guided the club to its maiden Premier Soccer League title during its debut campaign.
His tenure ended shortly after the side’s collapse against Petro de Luanda in Angola.
Scottland had appeared well placed to progress after winning the first leg 2-0 in Harare. However, three goals in the return fixture overturned that advantage and brought their continental campaign to an abrupt end.
Mapeza and his backroom staff were subsequently dismissed as the club moved to restructure its technical department.
The decision puts Ndlovu at the centre of Scottland’s efforts to recover from the setback, as the club faces pressure to maintain its challenge for domestic honours.
The interim appointment also gives the former Zimbabwe captain a chance to prove his coaching credentials at one of the country’s most ambitious clubs.
Scottland are reportedly considering candidates for a permanent appointment, meaning Ndlovu’s immediate priority is to guide the team through the remaining fixtures while the search continues.
