"Certified Failure": Zimbabweans React With Fury To ZIFA's Appointment of Marian Marinica
The Zimbabwe Football Association's announcement of Romanian coach Marian Marinica as the new Warriors head coach has ignited a firestorm of criticism. Fans and pundits have flooded social media with scepticism, questioning the hiring of a coach many label a "certified failure" after his dismissal from Malawi.
A "Certified Failure" or Misunderstood?
The most common criticism centres on Marinica’s recent coaching record in Malawi, which many social media users have described as unsuccessful. User @obeyshava1 made a stark comparison, summing up a widely shared sentiment:
“This coach is a certified failure who was fired in Malawi for incompetence. It’s like replacing Musona with Benza in the national team.”
Others raised doubts about the authenticity of the coach’s CV, particularly the use of the term “distinguished.” User Conrad Mwanawashe questioned his listed European experience:
“Profile iyo ndiyo yamuri kuti ‘distinguished’? Varungu munovada chaizvo... achiitei ku Arsenal ikoko? Haa tine problem chokwadi.”
(Is that what you call a ‘distinguished’ profile? You really love white people... what was he doing at Arsenal? We truly have a problem.)
The general mood was one of disbelief, with many struggling to understand the logic behind the appointment. User King Joash could not hide his frustration, stating simply:
“Marinica failed in Malawi. But has landed Zim job. Mabasa. Munopenga here imi what kind of nonsense is that ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜.”
(Marinica failed in Malawi. But has landed a Zim job. Guys, are you mad? What kind of nonsense is that?)
The Local Coach Question
A recurring theme is the perceived snub of qualified local coaches. Politician Temba P. Mliswa voiced this concern, criticizing ZIFA's "unhealthy fixation with foreign coaches" despite their often lackluster track records in Zimbabwe.
Fans were quick to point to the successful tenures of past Zimbabwean coaches. Cde Never Maswerasei listed local heroes who had delivered results:
“Charles Mhlauri did well. Sunday Chidzambwa did well. Rhaman Gumbo did well. Norman Mapeza did well. They were Zimbabweans — what’s this recurrent obsession with foreign coaches?”
The name of Kalisto Pasuwa, who has achieved significant success in Zimbabwe and abroad, was repeatedly mentioned as a more logical choice. Others suggested a technical team led by current Highlanders coach Brito, assisted by local talents like Tonderai Ndiraya and Kelvin Kaindu.
Deep Distrust in ZIFA Leadership
Beyond the coach’s credentials, many reactions targeted the competence of the ZIFA administration. The timing of the announcement, late at night on social media, was seen by some as a deliberate strategy to minimize immediate backlash.
Advocate Fadzayi Mahere directly challenged the association on X, demanding a clear rationale for hiring a coach who was recently fired for incompetence. Her questions captured the public's demand for transparency and accountability from the football governing body.
While the overwhelming sentiment was negative, some urged for calm. Advocate Bhebhe called for the new coach to be given a fair chance, stating, “He must be given a chance to form his own team without interference. He mustn’t recycle these old players.” However, this remains a minority view in a sea of disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary reasons are his recent dismissal from Malawi for poor results and the perception that more qualified local coaches, like Kalisto Pasuwa, were overlooked.
Critics accuse the ZIFA administration of having an "unhealthy fixation" on foreign coaches with questionable track records and a lack of transparency in their selection process.
A minority of voices have called for calm, urging that Marian Marinica be given a fair chance to implement his philosophy without interference from the ZIFA board.
David (Solar Sales)