Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE has approved an early December training camp for the Warriors, giving newly appointed head coach Marina “Mario” Marinica a rare head start before the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
The decision, confirmed by Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) officials, means the technical team will get uninterrupted time with local players as soon as the domestic season wraps up this weekend.
For Marinica, who has only had a brief look at his squad during friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, this window offers something national coaches seldom get, space to drill structure and identity before a major tournament. It comes at a crucial moment. Zimbabwe is bracing for a demanding Afcon campaign in Group B against Egypt, Angola, and South Africa, and the scars from five straight group stage exits still run deep.
This camp is designed to break that pattern. A tighter, more concentrated programme is expected to help the Warriors build chemistry, sharpen their organisation, and give the coaching staff a clearer reading of who is ready for tournament football.
The first phase will centre on locally-based players. Those abroad will link up as soon as their club schedules allow, keeping the door open for a stronger, blended squad as Afcon draws closer.
“The association have already considered the importance of starting preparations early with a motive to have the coach have ample time to assess the players,” said a close source.
“The association already engaged the coach, and that is confirmed that if all goes as planned, the camp is set for early December.
“The camp will have locally based players waiting for the foreign-based players to come in at a given point where they will be available according to the schedule of their based players,” added the source.
