Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE senior men’s national team coach Marian Marinica has revealed that a bout of flue has affected the Warriors’ camp ahead of their next match, creating slight concern within the technical setup, while insisting the team remains focused on delivering a positive result for the nation.
Marinica said the illness has already ruled his assistant, Roni Moroka, out of the match, while he himself is also battling minor health issues.
“It would sound like inside information to the opponent if I were to tell you honestly, but there is something,” said Marinica.
“For example, there is a flue in the camp and my assistant, Roni Moroka, who actually happens to be South African, cannot take part in this match, I think, because he is very, very bad with flu. Even myself, I have a little bit of a voice. So that’s a slight worry, but we will solve the problem.”
Despite the setback, Marinica said the Warriors remain determined to push forward, stressing that football challenges must be handled with calmness and professionalism.
The coach reiterated his belief in keeping football matters separate from personal life, saying family should remain a source of peace while football remains a competitive business.
“When I go to work, I don’t want to take my family worries into work, and when I go home, I don’t want to take the worries from work,” he said, adding that football is about winning, while family life is about the heart and enlightenment.
Marinica also addressed growing speculation surrounding the team, squad selection and preparations, urging supporters to block out noise and remain united behind the Warriors.
“As I have said many times, thank you very much for the support. Try to put behind all the noise. There is a lot of noise and speculation,” he said.
“You may please some people sometimes, but you cannot please other people all the time. There will be people speculating about the squad, about this and about that. Rest assured, we go there to win, and we go there to put everything possible to get your qualification and to make the country proud.”
The Warriors coach called on fans at home and abroad to continue offering support and prayers, reminding them of the backing they showed the team even after difficult moments in previous matches.
“Like before, stay behind us and support us. Regardless of what has happened, once we do our best and try everything, that is what we want,” he said.
“Please help us to go through. Your prayers and your motivation, wherever you are in the world, will be channelled towards us, and we want to thank you very much.”
Marinica said the team, backed by his technical staff and national leadership, remains committed to giving everything on the pitch as they pursue qualification and aim to make the country proud.
