Born in
Kinshasa, Mapuata began his career with
Cercle Sportif Imana. He moved to play in the
Belgian Pro League at the age of 20, signing with
Standard Liège. One year later, he joined
Primeira Liga side
Os Belenenses for two seasons. While with Belenenses, Mapuata scored the goal in a famous
UEFA Cup victory against
Barcelona. He finished his playing career in the Swiss first division, playing for
AC Bellinzona and
FC Aarau. ==International career==