Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA have taken a giant step towards naming the new Warriors mentor, with the association shortlisting five seasoned coaches for the top and demanding job.
The association have been on the hunt since sacking German coach Michael Nees for poor results that saw the Warriors end the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign winless and stuck at the base of the Group C standings.
Despite ZIFA keeping a tight lid on the possible successor to Nees, amid a wave of speculation, it has emerged that five out of the more than 100 applicants have made the grade for the post.
The short-list includes Englishman Stuart Baxter, famed for coaching Kaizer Chiefs to the championship, Super United and the South African senior national team – Bafana Bafana.
It also has ex-Malawi technical director and coach Marian Mario Marinica of Romania, whose last job was with Liberia.
French journeyman Patrice Neveu, who has previously coached in Guinea, Kenya, DRC, Haiti, Maritania and Gabon and ex-Mozambique coach Luis Goncalves of Portugal are on the list.
Another Portuguese Antonio Conceicao, who had a stint as Cameroon coach, is also part of the cast that is looking to lead the Warriors at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.
ZIFA sources also added that several high-profile coaches were interviewed online before the list was trimmed, with each coach boasting international experience and tactical insight on both European and African football.
The Warriors are due to play Algeria and Qatar during this month’s FIFA international break, presenting the successful candidate with a chance to get the first feel of the Zimbabwe team’s dressing room.
ZIFA’s expected announcement of the new coach should bring to rest the anxiety and speculation gripping both the aspirants for the job and the Warriors fans who have, of late, taken to social media throwing around various names.
To their credit, ZIFA used stringent criteria that require not only a highly qualified gaffer but one with no less than five years’ experience coaching in CAF inter-club or national teams’ competitions, which include the AFCON, CHAN, Champions League,
Confederation Cup and the COSAFA Cup.
After the disastrous World Cup campaign, the arrival of a new man in charge should spark fresh hopes for the Warriors to go and make an impact on their sixth appearance at the AFCON.
