Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is searching for another Warriors coach after Marian Marinica resigned from his role as head coach. The association con...
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is searching for another Warriors coach after Marian Marinica resigned from his role as head coach.
The association confirmed on Monday that Marinica stepped down, citing personal reasons.
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“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announces that Marian Marinica has resigned from his position as Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, citing personal reasons,” the association said.
“ZIFA has accepted his resignation and thanks Coach Marinica for his contribution to the Warriors. The Association wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
His departure leaves the national team without a permanent coach ahead of its next international assignment.
ZIFA has moved quickly to appoint former Warriors midfielder Kaitano Tembo as interim head coach.
“Kaitano Tembo has been appointed Interim Head Coach and will lead the team for the upcoming Unity Cup assignment in the United Kingdom,” the association said.
Tembo returns to the national team set-up with immediate responsibility for preparing the squad for the tournament.
He will be assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, who has been named assistant coach.
“He will be assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, who has been appointed Assistant Coach.”
Chiragwi returns after stepping away from Warriors duties late last year following a touchline incident during a league match.
The former Ngezi Platinum Stars coach had apologised after striking one of his players during the game and temporarily withdrew from national team duties while disciplinary processes were handled.
Tembo now faces the challenge of leading the Warriors with limited preparation time before the Unity Cup.
His appointment gives ZIFA a short-term solution while the association decides on a long-term coaching direction.
Tembo is one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced former internationals and has built a coaching career in South Africa.
He is expected to bring stability and familiarity to the dressing room during the transition period.
The resignation of Marinica means Zimbabwe once again enters the market for a senior national team coach.
Attention will now turn to whether ZIFA confirms Tembo permanently or appoints another candidate after the Unity Cup.
The upcoming tournament in the United Kingdom may play a key role in shaping that decision.
