AFCON: Marinica demands Zimbabwe’s ‘direct’ football

Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica has once again explained his playing philosophy going into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. The tournament will run from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco.

The Englishman has been with the Warriors for less than two months having previously managed Malawi and Liberia. The Romani-born coach has since presided over two games for the Warriors, losing 3-1 to Algeria then beating Qatar 2-1.

Now, with Zimbabwe stepping up training ahead of the AFCON finals, the former Flames mentor emphasized his playing philosophy, which antagonized some quarters in Malawi.

With the Flames, he managed them to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon where the team reached the round of 16.

“We have a philosophy that we try to play as much as possible going forward, try to be direct and try to make the football entertaining by scoring goals,” Marinica told the Zimbabwe Football Association media.

Marinica’s message to dropped players

The coach also sympathized with some players who have not made the final cut due to stiff competition for places. Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Khama Billiat is among the notable exclusions.

Marinica sent a word of encouragement to the players who are not part of the AFCON squad.

“I want to thank them for their participation and hard work. Unfortunately, we have limited places. Some will make it and some will not make it, but what we want from them is to keep working hard,” the coach added.

Zimbabwe are sweating over the fitness of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi and his Udinese compatriot Jordan Zemura, with the duo picking injuries during club assignments.

Marinica’s start to the Warriors job was far from smooth, as a storm emerged during the trip to the Gulf Region for the AFCON camp training. Reports of divisions emerged in camp. However, the Zimbabwe Football Association brought calm in the squad and many sectors in the country’s football have rallied behind the former Azam FC handler.

The Warriors will compete at AFCON finals in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Egypt.