Marinica Resigns as Warriors Coach, Tembo Takes Over on Interim Basis
By Desire Tshuma
Harare — The Zimbabwe Football Association has confirmed the resignation of Warriors head coach Marian Marinica, citing personal reasons.
In an official statement posted by ZIFA on Monday, 27 April 2026, the association said it had accepted Marinica’s resignation and thanked him for his contribution to the senior men’s national team.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association announces that Marian Marinica has resigned from his position as Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, citing personal reasons,” the statement read.
“ZIFA has accepted his resignation and thanks Coach Marinica for his contribution to the Warriors. The Association wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
ZIFA moved quickly to name a replacement, appointing Kaitano Tembo as Interim Head Coach. Tembo will lead the Warriors for the upcoming Unity Cup assignment in the United Kingdom.
He will be assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, who has been appointed Assistant Coach.
The announcement ends Marinica’s tenure with the Warriors. No timeline was given for the appointment of a substantive head coach.
The Unity Cup in the UK will be Tembo’s first assignment as interim boss, with Zimbabwe looking to build momentum ahead of future international fixtures.
