The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has sparked a public outcry following the appointment of Marian Marinica as the new head coach of the senior national soccer team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract.
The appointment, announced in a statement released on Tuesday evening, has drawn mixed reactions from football stakeholders, with some questioning the selection process, transparency, and timing, while others have welcomed the move as a potential fresh start.
Marinica, a Uefa pro-licensed coach with over 25 years of international experience across Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America, has previously worked with several international clubs and national teams.
He is credited with leading Malawi to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and guiding Liberia to its highest Fifa rankings climb in June 2024.
Zifa said the coach brings a modern football philosophy and a proven developmental track record.
“His wealth of experience and international results make him the ideal candidate to lead the Warriors into a new era,” Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi said, adding that the appointment was part of a long-term strategy to build a sustainable football structure.
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation, with highly decorated South African coach Pitso Mosimane and former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter’s names being widely circulated as favourites for the job.
Football insiders say a myriad of coaches who had applied for the job were viewed as “dream hires”, but negotiations were reportedly complex and financially demanding — raising questions about whether Zifa opted for a more affordable option in Marinica.
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While some believe Marinica brings valuable international experience, others expressed disappointment and frustration.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “We were waiting for a big appointment — Pitso, Baxter or someone of that calibre. Zifa has disappointed the nation again.”
Another user posted: “Zimbabwe football needed a statement appointment. This feels like a cheap option disguised as a rebuild strategy.”
A Facebook football forum comment read:
“Let’s give the coach a chance, but Zifa must stop recycling short-term solutions. We need structure, not stop-gap decisions.”
Football analyst voices have also been divided, with some insisting Zimbabwe needs experienced foreign expertise to rebuild after years of turmoil, while others believe the country should prioritise empowering home-grown coaching talent.
“On second thoughts, we are not the most attractive nation to coach,” posted sports reporter and football critic Yvonne Mangunda on her Facebook page.
“Our rankings, our history and our financial muscle! We don't even play at home. The only attraction at the moment is the Afcon slot for big name coaches.
“Zifa tried. Pafair. We sometimes criticise like we are a top 50 nation or top 100. In reality we are not what we think we are.”
Marinica is expected to immediately begin preparations for upcoming friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar, as well as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December.
Whether this latest appointment will unite or further divide Zimbabwean football remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on the Warriors as a new chapter begins under their newly appointed mentor.
