Micho Sredojevic Snubs Warriors Job, Set To Return To Ethiopian Giants Saint George SC

Zimbabwe’s hopes of appointing Milutin “Micho” Sredojević as the next Warriors coach appear to have suffered a setback.

The experienced Serbian coach has reportedly turned down an approach from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).

Sredojević is instead set to return to Ethiopian Premier League giants Saint George SC, where he is expected to be unveiled on Friday, August 14.

Micho Chooses Ethiopia

The 56-year-old is heading back to a club he previously managed 16 years ago.

His return to Saint George comes as the club looks to embark on a long-term project under his leadership.

Sredojević had been linked with the vacant Warriors position after Marian Marinica stepped down in April.

The Serbian was considered one of the leading candidates to take charge of Zimbabwe’s senior national team.

However, the timing of the appointment appears to have played a role in his decision.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are scheduled to begin in September, leaving ZIFA with limited time to appoint and prepare a new coach.

Despite rejecting the Warriors approach, Sredojević expressed his affection for Zimbabwe and its football.

The coach explained that taking the national team job at this stage would be difficult.

“I love Zimbabwe, I love Zimbabwean football; however, at this point that is mission impossible,” Sredojević told FARPost.

He also confirmed that he was preparing to take up a new position in Africa.

“Tomorrow [Friday], I will be announced as head coach on a long-term basis at one club in Africa,” he said.

The comments effectively confirmed that he had decided against taking over the Warriors.

Sredojević brings considerable experience from across African football.

His coaching career has included national-team assignments with Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda.

He has also worked at major clubs, including South Africa’s Orlando Pirates and Egyptian giants Zamalek.

His previous experience in African competitions had made him an attractive candidate for Zimbabwe’s national team job.

However, he will now continue his career in Ethiopia rather than taking charge of the Warriors.

Sredojević’s decision leaves ZIFA with several other candidates as the association searches for Marinica’s successor.

Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet is reportedly among those being considered.

Spanish coach Ramon Catala and German tactician Torsten Spittler are also understood to be on ZIFA’s list.

Portugal’s Luis Goncalves has reportedly emerged as another option.

Interim Warriors coach Kaitano Tembo is also being considered for the permanent position.

With the AFCON qualifiers approaching, ZIFA faces increasing pressure to settle on a coach and begin preparations for the campaign.