ZIFA Appoints Marian (Mario) Marinica as Warriors Head Coach
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially appointed Romanian tactician Marian “Mario” Marinica as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Football Team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract.
ZIFA confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, describing Marinica as a seasoned and globally experienced coach whose arrival is expected to usher in a “new era” for the national side.
A UEFA Pro Licensed coach with over 25 years of experience, Marinica has worked across four continents — Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America and boasts an impressive portfolio that includes stints with Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, AS Monaco, Internazionale Milano, Liverpool FC, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi, and Liberia national teams.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi expressed confidence in the appointment, saying:
“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. His appointment reflects ZIFA’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable football structure that delivers results both on and off the pitch.”
Marinica is widely credited for guiding Malawi to their best-ever Africa Cup of Nations finish in 2022, reaching the Round of 16, and later steering Liberia to become the highest climber in the FIFA Rankings in June 2024.
Speaking after his appointment, the 69-year-old coach said he was honoured to take charge of the Warriors and promised to bring discipline, structure, and attacking football to the national team.
“Zimbabwe has incredible talent, both at home and in the diaspora,” Marinica said.
“My mission is to build a united and competitive Warriors side that can challenge the best on the continent. I believe with hard work and belief, we can restore pride to Zimbabwean football.”
Marinica’s immediate task will be to prepare the Warriors for upcoming international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, as well as to chart a strong start to the AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign.
“We will focus on teamwork, tactical awareness, and player development,” Marinica added.
“The goal is not just short-term results but building a lasting football culture that Zimbabweans can be proud of.”
ZIFA confirmed that Marinica will assume his duties with immediate effect and will also play a key role in mentoring local coaches as part of the association’s long-term development plan.
