Chippa United have announced the appointment of Zimbabwean coach Norman Mapeza as the club’s new head coach.

The former Zimbabwe defender has signed a three-year contract with the Chilli Boys and will replace caretaker coach Duran Francis‚ who was relieved of his duties on Monday morning.

Mapeza is in Port Elizabeth finalising his work permit and will not be on the bench for Tuesday’s clash with Bidvest Wits. Long-serving assistant coach Mbuyiselo Sambu will take charge of the team while his paper work is finalised.

Speaking on the appointment, Chippa chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi welcomed Mapeza, saying that the new coach will be able to inspire the players and take the team to greater heights.

‘We are happy to have coach Mapeza and we congratulate him.

‘Not only is he highly experienced‚ but he is also highly regarded by colleagues in the football fraternity.

‘He brings a wealth of experience that will no doubt inspire the players and take the team to greater heights.’

Mapeza has forged an impressive reputation in his homeland where he guided FC Platinum to two league titles in succession and also took them to the Caf Champions League for the first time ever.