Published: 2 hours ago

Zimbabwe national football team head coach Marian Marinica has resigned from his post just five months after his appointment, the Zimbabwe Football Association has confirmed.

The Romanian tactician, who took charge in November last year, departs following a turbulent spell that included a winless campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Zimbabwe exited in the group stage.

Marinica's resignation brings an abrupt end to a brief and controversial stint in charge of the Warriors. Although ZIFA has not disclosed the reasons behind his decision, reports suggest internal tensions may have contributed to his exit.

The coach's tenure was marked by selection controversies, including the high-profile omission of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi from the AFCON squad - a decision that sparked widespread debate and is believed to have strained relationships within the camp.

The Zimbabwe Football Association announced that the national team will now be led on an interim basis by Kaitano Tembo for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in the United Kingdom.

Tembo will be assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, who returns to the national team setup after previously stepping down from a similar role last year.

"ZIFA has accepted his resignation and thanks Coach Marinica for his contribution to the Warriors," the association said in a statement. "The Association wishes him well in his future endeavours."

Marinica's most recent assignment was the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, where Zimbabwe failed to register a win and were eliminated in the first round.

The performance placed further scrutiny on the team's rebuilding process and coaching stability, as Zimbabwe continues to struggle for consistency on the continental stage.

The Unity Cup assignment now becomes the first test for the interim technical team as Zimbabwe looks to stabilise preparations ahead of future international competitions.

ZIFA is expected to begin a search for a permanent head coach following Marinica's departure, with pressure mounting to restore competitiveness and direction to the national side.
- online