Ex‑Kaizer Chiefs star Thomas Sweswe has weighed in on how the Zimbabwe Football Association handled the coaching transition ahead of Marian Marinica’s appointment.
The ZIFA board considered a string of high‑profile candidates, including veteran SA coach Pitso Mosimane, former Bafana Bafana mentor Stuart Baxter and Orlando Pirates’ Milutin Sredojevic, before settling on the Romanian specialist.
Marinica signed a one‑year contract and will lead the Warriors at the 2025 AFCON, where Zimbabwe sit in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt and South Africa.
Sweswe, who also wore the Warriors’ jersey, argues that Zimbabwe’s future lies with local coaches.
WHAT EX-KAIZER CHIEFS STAR THOMAS SWESWE SAID
“We have to give a chance to local coaches. Creating a system of trust in talent we already have is the only way we can build something sustainable,” Sweswe told FARPost.
“We need a transparent process, not a rushed fix that leaves many questions unanswered. Board must ensure transition benefits the entire ecosystem, not just a headline.”
He praised the board’s recent openness: “It will be encouraging to see the ZIFA board finally embracing the talent that’s right under our noses. We can’t keep looking overseas for answers when the solutions are already playing in our local leagues.”
Sweswe continued, “A transparent selection process would have given every aspiring local coach a fair shot at the job. Rushing these decisions sends the wrong message to the grassroots – we need patience, not panic.
“When the board trusts its own people, the whole nation feels the impact on the pitch,” he added. I’m sure there is a huge number of coaches ready to roll up their sleeves and help the nation.”
The new technical team also features Kaitano Tembo, who was initially touted for the head role. Zimbabwe’s faithful are eagerly waiting to see whether the blend of foreign expertise and local mentorship can revive Zimbabwe’s fortunes.
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