Marinica throws in the towel as Zimbabwe coach

Marian ‘Mario’ Marinica has vacated his post as the Zimbabwe national team head coach, leaving former SuperSport United tactician Kaitano Tembo to be thrust into the hot seat as his interim successor.

In a statement released on Monday, 26 April 2026, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed that the Romanian has left his role, citing personal reasons.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] announces that Mario Marinica has resigned from his position as head coach of the Zimbabwe senior men’s national team, citing personal reasons,” reads the ZIFA statement.

“ZIFA has accepted his resignation and thanks Coach Marinica for his contribution to the Warriors. The Association wishes him well in his future endeavours.

“Kaitano Tembo has been appointed interim head coach and will lead the team for the upcoming Unity Cup assignment in the United Kingdom. He will be assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, who has been appointed assistant coach.”

Marinica Departs on a High

The former Malawi and Liberia strategist appeared to be on a clear trajectory toward restoring the Warriors’ international pedigree following several years of administrative stagnation and inconsistent on-field performances.

Despite the abrupt exit, Marinica departs with his reputation enhanced after clinching the inaugural Four Nations championship in Botswana in March 2026. Under his guidance, Zimbabwe secured impressive back-to-back victories over neighbours Zambia and the host nation, the Zebras.

When he was initially appointed in November 2025, the primary objective for the former Black Leopards FC coach was navigating Zimbabwe through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco. While the Warriors exited the tournament in the group stages with a record of two defeats and one draw, they earned plaudits for a progressive brand of attacking football built on newfound defensive discipline and tactical structure.

Statistically, Marinica’s tenure concludes with a record of three wins, three losses, and one draw across all competitions. He had taken over the reins from German national Michael Nees, the man responsible for actually securing Zimbabwe’s qualification for the AFCON showpiece.

Kaitano Tembo Assumes the Mantle

In response to the vacancy, the association has swiftly elevated Marinica’s assistant, Kaitano Tembo, to the position of interim head coach. The Zimbabwean-born mentor will be supported by Takesure Chiragwi, who joins the technical team as the assistant coach.

Chiragwi, the current CAPS United trainer, makes a high-profile return to the national team fold just months after stepping down due to a widely publicised disciplinary matter during the previous domestic season.

The newly formed coaching duo has been tasked with leading the Warriors during their forthcoming international assignments at the Unity Cup, scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom.