Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Marian “Mario” Marinica is deriving a lot of joy from seeing several Zimbabwe internationals switching to clubs where they are virtually guaranteed some game time ahead of a busy year for the national team.
The Romanian gaffer concluded his week-long, “Meet the Warrior” tour across Europe on Monday night when watching versatile star Jordan Zemura help his Serie A side Udinese bookmark a famous 1-0 win over AS Roma at the Blue Energy Stadium.
Marinica has been busy over the past seven days, meeting both his regular squad members and potential players with Zimbabwean roots plying their trade across Europe.
He got to exchange notes with the red-hot Scotland-based winger Tawanda Maswanhise, captain Marvelous Nakamba, Isaac Mabaya and Shane Maroodza, among others.
While he was busy collecting the data and contacts he needed to build from, the European mid-season transfer window was also in full throttle.
Several of his players, who have been struggling for action, can now hope for significant game time after switching clubs.
Nakamba has moved up one rung on the English football pyramid after leaving League One side Luton Town to join Championship team Sheffield Wednesday.
The former Aston Villa midfielder, who Marinica still rates highly, has been getting limited roles since recovering from a long-term injury. But he can now fancy his chances of playing regular football after signing permanently for The Owls on Monday where he is to link up with compatriot Sean Fusire.
Defender Munashe Garananga has been loaned to Scottish team Hibernian from his Danish side Copenhagen.
Similarly, forward Tawanda Chirewa, who is on the books of Wolves in the English Premier League has been temporarily attached to Barnsley in League One.
Marinica knows that most of the leagues across Europe are a notch higher in terms of competitiveness, and he is happy to see his Warriors moving to clubs where they are more likely to play regularly.
This isn’t least, especially with a crammed international calendar ahead where qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be top of his agenda.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Marinica yesterday said: “Although I prefer to see national team players playing at the highest possible leagues in the world, facing very competitive opposition and eventually playing against other international players in UEFA competitions, I draw a lot of satisfaction from seeing players making some effort to keep themselves playing regularly.
“This is the least I will expect from the players. Playing regularly gives players the preparedness we are always looking for at the national team level.
“I am happy for all the players who have switched to other clubs where they can get to play regularly. We have seen Tawanda (Chirewa) being loaned to Barnsley, also Nakamba signing for Sheffield Wednesday, and Garananga as well . . . ”
Speaking of the last two players he watched in action before eventually having a one-on-one meeting with them, Maroodza and Zemura, the former Malawi and Liberia gaffer didn’t hide his appreciation of them.
“Shane Maroodza (who plays for Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina) is a good prospective young player.
“Everyone from his club is impressed with his play and attitude,” said Marinica.
“It’s always good to have youngsters with such an attitude.”
He revealed that he was “utterly impressed by Zemura” (on Monday night).
“Obviously he’s a good player with a place in the national team. I believe we can fully benefit from him if we utilise him fully in our system of play.”
Marinica will not rest once he touches down in Harare as he continues with his crusade in the capital, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and other areas as he seeks to connect more with players.
“Looking at the situation right now and depending on the schedule, we will have two local camps, rope in the local coaches and see how that will help us,” added Marinica.
