OnSport Reporter
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has appointed Romanian-born coach Marian (Mario) Marinica (60) as the new head coach of the national senior men’s football team on a one-year contract.
A UEFA Pro Licensed tactician with more than 25 years of international coaching experience across Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America, Marinica takes over from German, Michael Nees whose contract was terminated last month due to poor results.
Marinica holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from South Bank University in England and a Diploma in Management, credentials that highlight his blend of football insight and strategic leadership.
He has worked with global powerhouses such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Internazionale Milano, AS Monaco, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, and has served with several national teams, including Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi, and Liberia. Notably, he guided Malawi to the Round of 16 at the 2022 AFCON, their best-ever finish, and later helped Liberia become the biggest climber in FIFA’s June 2024 rankings.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said Marinica’s appointment underscores the association’s commitment to professionalism and progress.
The new coach assumes duty immediately, preparing for friendlies against Algeria and Qatar and leading the Warriors’ AFCON 2025 campaign.
