from DANAI MWARUMBWA in Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Bureau
HARARE, (CAJ News) – THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has appointed experienced Romanian coach Marian “Mario” Marinica as the new head coach of the senior men’s national team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract.
Marinica, a UEFA Pro Licensed coach with more than 25 years of international experience, takes over at a crucial time as Zimbabwe looks to rebuild its footballing identity and competitiveness on the continental stage.
His appointment follows ZIFA’s ongoing restructuring programme aimed at professionalising national team operations and restoring confidence in the Warriors setup.
The 59-year-old tactician has worked across four continents — Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America — bringing a wealth of technical and managerial expertise.
He boasts an impressive academic background, holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from South Bank University in England and a Diploma in Management, blending technical acumen with strategic insight.
Throughout his career, Marinica has worked with some of the world’s elite clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, AS Monaco, Inter Milan, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as several national teams such as Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi, and Liberia.
His recent success with Malawi’s national team, guiding the Flames to their historic Round of 16 finish at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, cemented his reputation as a coach capable of transforming underdog teams into competitive units.
More recently, he steered Liberia to become the highest climber in FIFA’s world rankings in June 2024.
Speaking after the announcement, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi said Marinica’s appointment marked the start of a “new era” for Zimbabwean football.
“We are delighted to welcome Coach Marinica. His wealth of experience, modern football philosophy, and proven results make him the ideal candidate to lead the Warriors. His appointment aligns with our long-term vision of building a competitive and sustainable football structure,” Magwizi said.
Marinica is expected to assume his duties immediately, beginning preparations for Zimbabwe’s upcoming friendly fixtures against Algeria and Qatar before turning his focus to the AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign.
– CAJ News