Zifa appoints Romanian coach

The long wait is over - the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has appointed Romanian tactician Marian "Mario" Marinica as the new Warriors head coach, ending weeks of speculation over who would take charge of the national team.

The UEFA Pro Licensed coach, who brings over 25 years of experience across Africa, Europe, Asia and South America, has signed a one-year deal and is expected to begin work immediately ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Algeria and Qatar.

Marinica, who famously guided Malawi to their best-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finish in 2022 and helped Liberia rise sharply in the FIFA rankings in 2024, is being hailed by Zifa as a "blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership."

Announcing the appointment, Zifa President Nqobile Magwizi said the association was confident that the 69-year-old coach was the right man to lead the Warriors into a new era.

"We are delighted to welcome Coach Marinica to Zimbabwe," Magwizi said. "His wealth of experience, modern football philosophy, and proven results at international level make him the ideal candidate to lead the Warriors into a new era."

Magwizi added that Marinica's appointment represents Zifa's renewed commitment to building a competitive and sustainable football structure capable of delivering consistent results.

Marinica, who has previously worked with global football giants such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter Milan, AS Monaco, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, is no stranger to African football.

During his tenure with Malawi, he was praised for his "fast and very fast football" philosophy - a high-tempo, disciplined approach that earned admiration across the continent despite limited resources.

Zifa sources said Marinica impressed during interviews with his focus on empowering local coaches and integrating diaspora talent - two priorities at the heart of Zifa's long-term football development plan.

The new Warriors mentor will immediately assume charge of the training camp in preparation for the friendly against Algeria, which will mark the beginning of his tenure and, possibly, a fresh chapter in Zimbabwean football.

With his tactical precision, experience, and attention to detail, Marinica is expected to stabilise the Warriors after the turbulent Michael Nees era, which ended in disappointment during the World Cup qualifiers.

If his past achievements are any indication, Zimbabwe's journey back to continental respect may well have found its navigator in Marian Marinica.