Zimbabwe coach Marinica admits players’ resistance

Amid reports that some players have revolted in the Zimbabwe squad, coach Mario Marinica, who is at the centre of the controversy, has admitted that he is facing resistance from some stars who want ‘things done in the old way.’

The Romania-born English coach started his reign with a 3-1 loss to Algeria on Thursday in a friendly played in Saudi Arabia. The former Malawi trainer inherited the squad from his predecessor Michael Nees who lost his job in October after a disastrous FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign.

However, after the defeat at the hands of Algeria, there are reports of some players being unhappy with how Marinica was handling them, including his reported use of strong language.

Now, the ex-Liberia mentor has admitted in an interview with Zimbabwe Football Association TV he is facing resistance from some players who want things done the old way even when it did not work.

“In patches, the instructions were taken well [during the game against Algeria] but on the other hand, always in a new thing, there is resistance to change. Probably, some of them, deep down they wanted the things that were done before, but those things that were done before need to be changed because if they were good, I wouldn’t be here.

“If they would have had seven or eight wins in World Cup qualification, I wouldn’t be here for sure, but unfortunately no wins in less than 10 matches, only five draws and only five goals scored, so obviously they have to change, and I am here to help them change,” Marinica explained.

The reports of the bad blood surfaced after Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Tawanda Chirewa left the national team camp in Saudi Arabia. The Warriors are set to play a second game against Qatar on Monday.

How Tawanda Chirewa issue suggest all not well in Zimbabwe camp

Despite the reports suggesting that there were heated exchanges between the coach and the players after the heavy defeat by Algeria, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has moved in to quell such claims.

In a statement, the association says Chirewa has left the camp for Zimbabwe at the request of his Premier League team. ZIFA adds that it granted the 22-year-old star permission to return to England following the coaching changes at her club.

Despite ZIFA suggesting that Chirewa was wanted by the Premier League club urgently, Wolves new manager Dave Edward told the club’s website that he would only meet the players next week.

“The staff are all up for it and we’ll meet the players next week when everyone arrives back, and I know the lads will be as well,” he told Wolves website.

Captain Marvelous Nakamba was not part of the playing squad for the match against Algeria while Khama Billiat of Scottland FC and his Wolves counterpart Marshall Munetsi excused themselves from the proceedings.