ZIFA president Phillip Chiyangwa on Sunday described Warriors caretaker coach Norman Mapeza as irreplaceable in a seal of approval which might indicate a long relationship between the association and the mentor.

Mapeza is the interim coach for the Warriors doubling up as the coach of Premiership side FC Platinum.

The double role appears to perfectly suit Zifa, who have a sparse calendar with the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match only scheduled for next year in March.

And a joyful Chiyangwa endorsed the former Warriors skipper when, after the match, he showed that he has no other plans to look for another or substantive coach.

“I am elated. I am very happy that my team performed very well. I have an excellent team and an excellent coach. It is the beginning of a journey to qualifying again.

“You continue to ask me whether Norman Mapeza is permanent or not.

“He is irreplaceable. For how long should I keep on saying that? He is FC Platinum coach, yes, and he is also the national team coach,” said Chiyangwa.

However, Mapeza was singing a different tune during the press briefing. He said he was just acting in the job and the association may appoint a new coach anytime.

“For some years, this was our first qualifying game playing at home and I think we took advantage of that. I think we have built a strong foundation going forward. The most important thing is just to be consistent, let’s try to keep the team as it is but everybody knows that I am an interim coach, maybe (for the) next game there would be a new coach but my advice to whoever, maybe will come and takeover, is that let’s keep this team and include maybe one or two guys who were not available today.  I think it is a good team, a good mixture of experienced players and youngsters, I think it is good for the country,” Mapeza said.

When he was quizzed further whether he was interested in the job on a substantive basis, Mapeza insisted he is an FC Platinum coach.

“Everybody knows that I am employed by FC Platinum and everybody knows I am interim coach here. Zifa may decide otherwise that’s why I am saying whoever comes and takes over, my advice is for him to keep the team intact.

“I am employed by FC Platinum, I am still employed by FC Platinum. I am here on an interim basis,” he said.