ZIFA Shortlists Five Big-Name Coaches for Warriors Job

Race Heats Up as ZIFA Shortlists Five Big-Name Coaches for Warriors Job

Zimbabwe’s football governing body, ZIFA, is on the brink of unveiling the next Warriors head coach after trimming a long list of more than 100 hopefuls down to five accomplished tacticians.

The appointment will fill the void left by German coach Michael Nees, who was dismissed following a frustrating World Cup qualifying run that left Zimbabwe without a single win in Group C.

Also Read: From Premier League to AFCON: High-Profile Foreign Coaches Who Applied for Zimbabwe Warriors Coaching Job

Big Continental Names in the Mix

Insiders say ZIFA’s shortlist features some of the continent’s most recognizable figures.

According to The Herald, Englishman Stuart Baxter, known for his successful stints at Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, and Bafana Bafana, is among the front-runners.

Another strong contender is Marian Mario Marinica of Romania, who has previously managed Malawi and Liberia, while veteran Frenchman Patrice Neveu, a familiar name in African football circles, also makes the cut. Neveu has handled national teams such as Gabon, Guinea, and Kenya.

Rounding off the list are two Portuguese coaches — Luis Gonçalves, who once led Mozambique, and Antonio Conceição, best known for his time in charge of Cameroon during the AFCON qualifiers.

Emphasis on Proven Track Records

A source close to the selection panel revealed that ZIFA prioritised coaches with extensive experience in both African and international football. The recruitment team reportedly focused on candidates with a minimum of five years managing at top-level competitions such as AFCON, CHAN, the CAF Champions League, or the COSAFA Cup.

Several interviews were conducted virtually, and according to those familiar with the process, ZIFA has been “carefully assessing each candidate’s tactical philosophy, player management style, and adaptability to local conditions.”

New Coach Expected Before Friendlies

The announcement of the successful candidate is expected before Zimbabwe’s upcoming international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar later this month. Those games will likely serve as a first audition for the new technical team ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

For the Warriors, the next appointment represents more than just a change of leadership — it’s an opportunity to rebuild national pride and restore faith in a team desperate to make its mark on the continental stage.