Warriors Coach Demands Zimbabwe Stop Exporting Talented Players, Urges League To Emulate South Africa After Afcon Heartbreak

The coach of Zimbabwe’s national football team has called for a radical overhaul of the country’s domestic league, demanding it stop exporting its best talent and start emulating the successful model of South Africa. This urgent plea comes fresh from the Warriors’ gut-wrenching elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where a last-minute penalty shattered their knockout stage dreams.

Marian Marinica, who has been in the job for just 40 days, watched his side exit at the group stage for a sixth time after a dramatic 3-2 loss to South Africa on December 29. The decisive moment came when Captain Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball in the box, leading to a penalty converted by Oswin Appollis in the 84th minute. Despite the heartbreak, Marinica sees a deeper systemic issue that must be addressed before the 2027 qualifiers begin in March.

“Can We Become An Importing Country?”

Speaking after the tournament, Marinica pointed directly to the strength of the South African squad, which is built mainly on players from their domestic league who compete in the CAF Champions League. He challenged Zimbabwe’s football authorities to create a league strong enough to prepare players for international level and to reverse the flow of talent.

The coach elaborated on his vision for a more competitive local structure, stating:

“On the other hand, there needs to be a lot of thinking and groundwork done from grassroots level and also in the Premier Soccer League. We need players to be ready for this kind of level. If you look at Bafana Bafana, they have players from local leagues who regularly play at a very high level in the Caf Champions League. They are a very strong team. Can we also get this type of player from our local leagues?”

Marinica further proposed a bold shift in strategy for Zimbabwean football, questioning its current role as a nursery for foreign leagues.

“At the same time, instead of being an exporting country of talent, can we become an importing country? This way, maybe we can compete for trophies with our clubs, have better-prepared players for the national team and start rebuilding.”

Chivayo’s US$250,000 (R4.5 Million) Windfall Eases The Pain

As the team grappled with the disappointment, a surprising consolation arrived from businessman Wicknell Chivayo. On December 31, 2025, he gifted the squad US$250,000 (approximately R4.5 million) at Chishawasha Hills, recognising their effort despite the early exit.

Chivayo took to social media to explain his gesture, writing:

“For many Zimbabweans, it may be a DISAPPOINTING END for the Warriors at the AFCON. However, I personally take pride in the FIGHTING SPIRIT they showed from the beginning right until the FINAL whistle… Where others see a loss, I see BRAVERY and EFFORT, which I believe must be given appropriate RECOGNITION… Today I say a big CONGRATULATIONS to the WARRIORS for your effort and courage.”

The Warriors’ campaign, which ended on December 29, 2025, was marked by a potent attack that scored in every game but was let down by defensive errors. With Marinica now pushing for systemic change and a new Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) executive led by Nqobile Magwizi in place, the focus shifts to rebuilding the domestic league ahead of the next qualifying campaign.