SWAZ condemns Mapeza for furious rant at journalist during media briefing

By Auther Chimbgwa

The Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe (SWAZ) has both condemned and further called on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to state its position after short-fused FC Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza fumed at a journalist during a post-match press conference following a mid-week fixture between his team and Caps United on Wednesday.

Mapeza was asked by a journalist following his side’s 2-1 triumph on whether he was still “worried” about his team’s failure to regularly score goals.

But the Dream Team legend took offence with the question and reprimanded the scribe for “putting words in my mouth”.

“Don’t put words in my mouth! Listen to me. I said goals are not coming; we are drawing. We need to keep on working hard,” he said.

Mapeza could not further entertain a follow up question by the journalist whom he scolded for a “wrong attitude”.

“Listen to me young man … munozoti Mapeza anonetsa imimi (you will end up thinking I am difficult) because you are putting words in my mouth,” Mapeza said, fuming and gestulating.

“You are a young man; you are growing. Don’t ever put words in my mouth; I don’t like it at all. You have to change your attitude. Uchavharisira vamwe mwena, ava vavanhu vakuru (you are spoiling it for your colleagues who are more mature). You have a wrong attitude, that’s your problem; I don’t like it. Next time akauya uyu (if he turns up), I don’t talk to the press. You have a very wrong attitude.”

Following the coach’s rants, SWAZ said Mapeza’s conduct was “inconsistent” with professional conduct expected during media enaggements.

“During the briefing, coach Mapeza was observed pointing fingers and verbally confronting a journalist whom he addressed dismissively as a ‘young man’, before abruptly exiting the press conference,” said the journalist group.

“SWAZ finds such conduct concerning and inconsistent with the value of mutual respect and professionalism expected in media engagements.”

SWAZ said such behaviour can be intimidating and may be perceived as a form of verbal aggression, adding that it created a hostile environment for journalists who were carrying out their professional responsibilities.

“We therefore respectfully call upon both the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and FC Platinum to look into the matter with the seriousness it warrants. We urge both institutions to clarify their positions and consider appropriate steps to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring a respectful working relationship between media and football stakeholders,” SWAZ said.

The media group added that football is a powerful tool for unity and community, and as such, called upon all engagements around it to be guided by the highest standards of professionalism and mutual respect.

“We trust PSL and FC Platinum will give the matter their urgent attention,” SWAZ said.