Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MARIAN “MARIO’’ MARINICA is keen to see his methods working when he leads the Warriors out for the first time in an international friendly against Algeria at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this evening.
The match kicks-off at 6:30pm.
The Romanian gaffer has had just one day with the full squad in the Middle East but there is no mistaking his intentions.
He has come out on the need for his players to quickly adjust to his fast-paced football style of play.
And it is exactly what he wants them to give him against the Desert Foxes who have worked their way back to the top of African football since their disappointing display in the 2023 (played in 2024) Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
Such is the Desert Foxes resurgence inside a year that they have risen to become the fourth best ranked African team while also securing their berth at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Both teams are using tonight’s match to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.
Despite getting down to work for just a day, Mario said he would be using the match to also assess some early signs if the players have started to adapt to his playing philosophy.
The former Malawi and Liberia coach will also have another chance to assess his Warriors on November 18 when they date Qatar in Doha.
“So obviously we have had only (one day) the full squad.
“We had only one session with them before the match, it’s not really that ample time but I’m looking, first of all, to see who is able to understand the philosophy of trying to play faster, to think faster, and then to try to see, you know, who actually is determined to really play, and not finally to see that actually there is a clear difference between the way he has played before and the way you know, we play now in terms of trying to contain the opponent,” said Marinica.
“We are trying to create chances and at the same time to show a determination that we believe that will take us through the stages.”
Marinica also wants his charges to play with conviction and said the Warriors can do more if they become fearless.
He said his experience with Malawi, who he helped reach the last 16 at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon and what he saw when he was in charge of Liberia.
Now he wants the Warriors to quickly change their style in a bid to add bite to their attack in which goals have been scarce.
“Now in Zimbabwe, like in Malawi, and the same thing in matches, particularly the first qualifying matches in Liberia.
“The lesson is this; we need not to be frightened. We need to frighten teams.
“Secondly, we have to believe in ourselves more, to be more positive to attack but at the same time to have an extreme caution, because you’re going to play teams that will hurt the way.
“A half mistake, you could be punished’’.
Mario also revealed his admiration for the talent at his disposal.
“They have the quality. So, basically, we have to make sure that we address the balance between being aggressive in attack and being cautious at the back.
“If you look at the last 10 matches, I think we scored only five goals in 10 matches. And obviously, the last four matches, not to score a goal is a major, major concern.
“But however, we try to improve, first of all, the number of chances we take because increasing the number of chances and particularly getting into more dangerous areas sooner will probably increase our chances to have the chance to take a shot.
“At the same time, look, shooting qualities, the players will need probably to be a bit more composed. So, on the psychological corner, we need to work on that a little bit better. Mental corner, players will need probably to be more serious.
“It’s like, yes, there are times and places you have to go extremely direct. As they call it, but on the other hand, playing fast and very fast, meaning that the players will have to take only touches that are required but also, at the same time, they need to think ahead, like in chess, the next move, maybe one or two, let’s say, passes before the ball comes to them’’.
Meetings between the Warriors and the Desert Foxes have been rare but on the few occasions they have clashed, the two sides have served a dish of good football.
Now Mario wants them to make the right decision on the field.
“So, this way, they are in the right place and to choose and select the right technique of passing or shooting or dribbling.’’
Winger Tawanda Maswanhise, who plies his trade with Motherwell in Scotland, said the squad is ready for Algeria.
“We are happy with the coach’s philosophy. We will try to adjust and bring what he wants from us starting with the match against Algeria,” said Maswanhise.
“We need to win the match to see where we stand going forward.”
Zimbabwe will travel to Doha where they will face Qatar next Monday to wrap up the international calendar.
