HARARE – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has appointed Romanian coach Marian “Mario” Marinica as head coach of the senior men’s national football team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract.
Marinica, a UEFA Pro Licensed coach with over 25 years of experience across four continents, replaces German Michael Nees, whose tenure ended after Zimbabwe’s poor showing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In a statement, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said Marinica’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Zimbabwean football, but did not address why he had been given a short-term contract.
“We are delighted to welcome coach Marinica to Zimbabwe. 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 said.
Marinica, 59, holds a postgraduate diploma in sports coaching from South Bank University in England and a diploma in management. He has worked in various coaching and technical roles with top European clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter Milan, AS Monaco, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
His international experience includes stints with Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi and Liberia national teams.
While in charge of Malawi, he guided the Flames to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations — their best-ever finish. More recently, he helped Liberia achieve the biggest jump in the FIFA world rankings in June 2024.
ZIFA said Marinica’s track record in player development, match analysis, and grassroots football, as well as his commitment to empowering local coaches and integrating diaspora talent, aligns with the association’s long-term development plan.
Marinica is expected to take charge immediately and will lead preparations for the upcoming friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar, before turning his focus to the Africa Cup of Nations finals being hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2024, to January 18, 2026.
Zimbabwe compete in Group B at the Cup of Nations and begin their campaign against Egypt in Agadir on December 22. They also face Angola and neighbours South Africa in the group.
His appointment comes as ZIFA continues its post-FIFA ban rebuilding process, seeking stability and renewed competitiveness for the Warriors on the continental stage.
ZIFA reportedly received over 200 applications after advertising the job last month.
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