Marinica Blames Negative Tactics For Warriors’ Past Struggles

Warriors coach Marian Mario Marinica, who met the players for the first time in Saudi Arabia ahead of friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well in major competitions.

Speaking from the Warriors’ camp in Saudi Arabia, Marinica said that the team’s past struggles were partly due to negative tactics under previous coaches, but he believes Zimbabwe has the quality to turn things around. He said:

“I knew about them, but I had not worked with them. I was impressed by them; we have the quality.

“What I actually want from them is for them to be more direct. Not too many negative plays, rather than threatening the opponent’s goal. That’s the major weakness.”

The Warriors ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign at the bottom of Group C, without a single win.

Marinica will lead the team in his first competitive match as head coach at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Egypt on 22 December 2025 in Morocco.

Related:

Warriors Interim Head Coach Kaitano Tembo Lays Out Plans For National Team Marinica Steps Down As Warriors Coach