ZIFA mum on new Warriors coach

ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has neither confirmed nor denied reports that the association is preparing to appoint a new head coach for the Warriors ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Magwizi was coy when asked about possible changes to the Warriors' technical department, leaving the coaching situation unclear as Zimbabwe prepares for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers next month.

Reports indicate that ZIFA has settled on Spanish coach Ramon Catala, who is expected to be unveiled this week.

"Rumours in football are always a culture, and they make the game more exciting.

"I am happy that there are rumours circulating, but I am sure in the future we can sit down and discuss these issues on coaches because this is critical.

"As we prepare for AFCON 2027 and the World Cup dream 2030, it's critical that we set all our systems," Magwizi said.

The Warriors have been without a substantive coach since March, when Marian "Mario" Marinica resigned under unclear circumstances.

Marinica had been appointed on a one-year contract, with Magwizi previously explaining that the short-term deal was intended to give ZIFA time to identify a coach who could settle into the position on a long-term basis.

With the AFCON qualifiers approaching, speculation has intensified over who will take charge of the national team.

Magwizi, however, stopped short of confirming whether ZIFA has already identified Marinica's replacement or whether the association is still considering retaining Kaitano Tembo, who led the Warriors on an interim basis during the Unity Cup in May.

The uncertainty comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe, with the association expected to finalise its technical set-up ahead of the Warriors' next competitive assignments.