Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEW Warriors coach Marian Marinica has little time to settle as he has to prepare for the upcoming two friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar.
As he settles into the hot seat, Marinica’s appointment has drawn mixed reactions from the local football fraternity.
Marinica won the race to lead the Warriors ahead of more prominent coaches including former Ghana and Brighton coach Chris Houghton.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp and former Guinea coach Patrice Neveu also applied for the Warriors job.
However, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), settled for Marinica, who led Malawi to the round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon.
The Romanian also had a stint with the Liberia national team.
While some are doubting his credentials, many want the Romanian to be given time.
Beitbridge based football manager, Clemence “Big Cle” Mabhidhi said: “We can’t judge him before he starts work, let’s give him time.”
“Yes, some might say he has a questionable CV but we have to support him first then judge him later.
“The good thing is that he will be assisted by local coaches so I presume there should be a smooth transition.
“This coach has coached in Malawi who have a culture almost similar to us, so it could be easier for him to settle.”
Marinica was initially took over as Malawi Football Association technical director in November 2021,before he was appointed coach for the AFCON finals.
He guided the Flames to the last 16 for the first time in the country’s history before losing 1-2 against Morocco.
Marinica was then fired in April 2023 after some poor results including a 4-0 thrashing by Egypt.
For popular Warriors fan Francis “Captain Franco” Kaowa, the fact that Marinica was fired in Malawi cannot be used as a basis to judge the Romanian.
“The new coach is here and we need to start serious preparations for the AFCON finals,” said Kaowa.
“Anything can happen in football so we need to support the new coach.
“Yes, he was fired in Malawi but so many coaches have been fired before redeeming themselves.
“Kelvin Kaindu was fired at Highlanders but look at what he is doing at Dynamos,” added Kaowa.
Former Air Zimbabwe Jets player Nicodemus “Bocande” Muramba has a different opinion.
He thinks ZIFA should have appointed a “respectable coach.”
“We are going nowhere as a footballing country.
“Honestly how can we hire someone who doesn’t have a proven record or credentials.
“Why we go for cheap alternatives boggles my mind,” said Muramba.
“ZIFA need to stop these desperate measures and try and get the best coaches.
“A coach who needs to steer us up.
“With this kind of appointment, our future looks bleak,” added Muramba.
