Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has ushered in a new era for the national team with the appointment of Romanian football tactician, Marian Mario Marinica as the new head coach of the Warriors.
In a statement, ZIFA said it had recruited the veteran coach, describing his appointment as a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the country’s football fortunes ahead of crucial international assignments.
Marinica boasts an impressive résumé spanning over two decades, having worked across four continents — Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America.
His diverse coaching journey has seen him collaborate with world-class clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Inter Milan, while also guiding national teams such as Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi, and Liberia.
Notably, Marinica left a strong mark during his stint with Malawi’s Flames, steering the team to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — one of the nation’s finest tournament runs.
More recently, he helped Liberia achieve its highest-ever FIFA ranking in mid-2024, a feat widely celebrated across the continent.
Beyond his coaching accolades, Marinica is recognized for his deep commitment to youth development, technical training, and grassroots football structures. His background as a technical director, performance consultant, and coach educator aligns with ZIFA’s vision of nurturing local talent and building a sustainable football ecosystem.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi expressed confidence that the appointment signals a fresh start for the Warriors.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Marinica to Zimbabwe. His track record and modern football philosophy are exactly what we need as we rebuild the Warriors and position them competitively on the African and global stage,” Magwizi said.
Marinica is expected to assume his duties immediately, beginning preparations for Zimbabwe’s upcoming international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, as well as the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
As anticipation builds, the football fraternity will be eager to see whether Marinica’s wealth of experience and tactical acumen can reignite the Warriors’ spark and restore Zimbabwe’s pride on the continental scene.
New Ziana
