Zimbabwe name Marian Marinica as Warriors head coach
Zimbabwe have appointed Romanian coach Marian Marinica as head coach of the Warriors on a 12-month contract, tasking him with leading the team into 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The 59-year-old succeeds Michael Nees, who departed last month after Zimbabwe failed to win a match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
ZIFA said the hire forms part of a wider plan to “rebuild the Warriors and restore continental competitiveness”, with Marinica taking charge immediately.
"The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marian (Mario) Marinica as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men's National Football Team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract," the ZIFA statement read.
A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Marinica brings more than 25 years’ coaching and technical experience across Africa, Europe, Asia and South America.
He previously coached Malawi, guiding the Flames to the round of 16 at the 2021/22 Africa Cup of Nations — the country’s best finish — and later worked with Liberia, who became the highest climbers in the FIFA Rankings in June 2024 during his tenure.
He has also served as a technical director, coach educator and performance consultant, roles ZIFA say align with their push to strengthen player development and local coaching structures.
Known for tactical discipline and high-intensity football, Marinica will oversee preparations for upcoming friendlies against Algeria and Qatar before shifting focus to Zimbabwe’s AFCON campaign in Morocco.
ZIFA added that his track record in integrating diaspora talent and up-skilling domestic coaches matched the federation’s long-term strategy.
The Warriors last lifted a major trophy at regional level but have struggled to convert promise into continental momentum in recent years.
Marinica’s brief is to stabilise results in the short term while laying foundations for sustained progress, with the AFCON group phase and early 2026 calendar already looming.
Zimbabwe have been placed in Group of the upcoming AFCON where they will face Egypt, South Africa and Angola in a tough group.