Zimbabwe appoints Romanian coach Mario Marinică to lead its national team, the Warriors. The country’s football association has issued the press release below.
Mario Marinică’s most significant roles have been as a national team coach, highlighted by his tenure with Malawi, where he led the team to the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations. He also served as the head coach for Liberia, helping them achieve their highest-ever FIFA ranking in 2024.
Timeline
- Head Coach, Malawi National Team (2022–2023): Guided the team to the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in its history.
- Head Coach, Liberia National Team (2024): Managed the team in 2024 and contributed to a significant rise in its FIFA ranking.
- Head Coach, Zimbabwe National Team (2025): Appointed to this role in November 2025 to prepare the Warriors for the 2025 AFCON.
- Youth Manager, Arsenal (1999–2001): Worked with the youth academy at Arsenal Football Club.
- Head of Academy Coaching (U21), Crystal Palace (2002–2003): Oversaw coaching for the Under-21 academy at Crystal Palace.
- Technical Director, Kerala Blasters (Youth) (2019–2021): Developed the youth program for the Indian Super League club.
- Manager, Black Leopards (2009–2010): Managed the South African club during his time in Africa.
👇🏿👇🏿
ZIFA Press Release
ZIFA Appoints Marian (Mario) Marinica as Warriors Head Coach
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marian (Mario) Marinica as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Football Team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract.
A highly accomplished UEFA Pro Licensed coach, Marinica brings over 25 years of international coaching and technical experience across four continents – Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from South Bank University (England) and a Diploma in Management, underlining a blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership. Throughout his distinguished career, Marinica has worked with several prestigious clubs and national teams including Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Internazionale Milano, AS Monaco, Liverpool FC, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi, and Liberia national teams.
Under his leadership, Malawi reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, their best-ever finish, while Liberia became the highest climber in the FIFA Rankings in June 2024. Marinica’s background also includes serving as a Technical Director, Coach Educator, and Performance Consultant, with deep expertise in player development, match analysis, and grassroots structures. His track record of empowering local coaches and integrating diaspora talent aligns closely with ZIFA’s long-term football development strategy.
Speaking on the appointment, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi said:
“We are delighted to welcome Coach Marinica to Zimbabwe. His wealth of experience, modern football philosophy, and proven results at international level make him the ideal candidate to lead the Warriors into a new era. His appointment reflects ZIFA’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable football structure that delivers results both on and off the pitch.”
Coach Marinica will assume his duties with immediate effect and is expected to oversee preparations for the upcoming friendly matches versus Algeria and Qatar, as well as the AFCON 2025 campaign.
ZIFA Media & Communications Department
Address: Block 4 Tendeksa Office Park, Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe
IG | X: @online_zifa
FB: @Zimbabwe Football Association
WA: ZIFA
Email: media@zifa.co.zw
Website: www.zifa.co.zw
