Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MARIAN Mario Marinica’s sudden departure as Warriors coach yesterday has not been fully explained, but it is confirmed Kaitano Tembo will take over on an interim basis, starting with the Unity Cup in the United Kingdom.
Before the surprise announcement, Marinica was expected to lead the Warriors for a tournament featuring West African giants Nigeria and Caribbean side Jamaica.
On Sunday, he was even at Rufaro where he watched Dynamos and ZPC Kariba’s goalless draw in the Castle Lager Premiership.
Yesterday the Zimbabwe Football Association confirmed the coach’s exit, saying he has resigned from his position, citing “personal reasons”, barely six months into his one-year contract.
ZIFA said they accepted the resignation and elevated his assistant Tembo to take over the reins in the interim, assisted by Takesure Chiragwi. ZIFA has accepted his resignation and thanks Coach Marinica for his contribution to the Warriors. The Association wishes him well in his future endeavours,” said ZIFA in a statement.
Insiders yesterday indicated the resignation was, however, unexpected.
“The coach simply expressed the desire to move on, and there was nothing more to it . . . ZIFA respected his decision, and it seems to be mutual,” said a source.
“If there are other reasons behind the sudden decision, it has to be the coach Marinica giving the explanation.”
Marinica was in charge of the Warriors for seven games, beginning with international friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar in preparation for the 2025 AFCON finals held in Morocco last December, where Zimbabwe played Egypt, Angola and neighbours South Africa. The Warriors, however, exited the tournament in the group stages with two defeats and a single point in the draw against Angola.
The Romanian coach’s final assignment in charge of the Warriors secured victory at the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament staged during the recent FIFA international friendlies window in Francistown.
The Warriors beat hosts Botswana and Zambia to lift the trophy, a result that reinforced the team’s competitive edge and growing cohesion.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi yesterday paid tribute to Marinica’s contribution, “acknowledging both his professionalism and commitment during his time in charge.”
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to coach Mario for his dedication and service to the Warriors,” Magwizi said.
“He stepped into the role at a critical time and brought stability, focus and a strong sense of professionalism to the team.
“His contribution, including the success in Francistown, will always be appreciated. We wish him every success in his future endeavours,” said Magwizi.
Marinica as a coach, however, divided opinion. His helicopter football philosophy was not immediately understood. But the “fast and furious” football that he introduced to the Warriors looked to give Zimbabwe the results that they missed under previous coach Michael Nees.
Marinica left the Warriors with a reputation of three wins, three losses and one draw in all competitions.
A strict disciplinarian, he courted strong criticism over the manner in which he handled the fallout with national team vice-captain Marshall Munetsi, who never played under his charge following a public spat. Some sections of Zimbabweans felt he could have managed the saga better. With Munetsi missing the 2025 AFCON finals and all the matches played during Marinica’s tenure, the Warriors missed not only leadership and experience but also one of their best players at the moment.
Marinica also landed himself on the spotlight for freezing out one of Zimbabwe’s star players, Tawanda Maswanhise, during the AFCON tournament, arguing his decisions were based on “scientific data”.
Surprisingly Maswanhise was shut out despite him being the top goal scorer in the Scottish Premiership.
The young forward, however, proved the coach wrong when he was given the opportunity in the last AFCON group B game against South Africa, producing a show to be remembered for years to come and earning himself a place among the tournament’s most promising talents. Still, the Warriors earned respect from the football world for their positive attacking brand of football. Marinica was appointed last November on a year contract but just five months down the line he is walking away.
To some it was good riddance while others had wanted continuity ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Zimbabwe will play their next assignment in June at the Unity Cup where they face Nigeria and possibly Jamaica, who just failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the last hurdle after losing 1-0 to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the intercontinental playoff final last month.
Following his departure, ZIFA have moved to ensure continuity within the national team set-up.
“Kaitano Tembo has been appointed interim head coach and will take charge of the Warriors for the upcoming Unity Cup assignment in the United Kingdom.
“He will be assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, who steps in as assistant coach. The appointments are designed to provide stability and maintain momentum as the team prepares for its next international engagement,” said ZIFA in a statement.
Those in the know claim that Mario landed a lucrative job that he couldn’t let slip somewhere in the Middle East.