Mario Marinica has stepped down from his role as Zimbabwe head coach just five months into his tenure, with Kaitano Tembo now thrust into the hot seat as his interim replacement.
The Zimbabwe Football Association announced the Romanian’s departure on Monday, saying he is leaving due to “personal reasons.” Sekhukhune United youth coach Tembo will replace Marinica, but on an interim basis.
Marinica leaves his role after being in charge of just seven games, including three at the 2025 AFCON finals, where the Warriors finished bottom of Group B after two defeats and a draw. The other matches under Marinica were three victories and a defeat.
The 61-year-old arrived in Zimbabwe boasting experience with African teams, having previously been in charge of Malawi and Liberia. His time with those teams was short-lived, just like his stint with the Warriors.
Controversy surrounded his tenure as Zimbabwe coach, especially the handling of the Marshall Munetsi saga.
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“The Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] announces that Mario Marinica has resigned from his position as head coach of the Zimbabwe senior men’s national team, citing personal reasons,” ZIFA announced in a statement on Monday.
“ZIFA has accepted his resignation and thanks Coach Marinica for his contribution to the Warriors. The Association wishes him well in his future endeavours.
“Kaitano Tembo has been appointed Interim head coach and will lead the team for the upcoming Unity Cup assignment in the United Kingdom. He will be assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, who has been appointed assistant coach.”
Should Tembo impress at the Unity Cup in May, he will heighten his chances of being appointed substantive Zimbabwe coach. He was working as Marinica’s assistant, also doubling as the Sekhukhune development coach.
The Unity Cup will also involve Nigeria, Jamaica and India. But the Super Eagles are expected to send a second-string squad to participate in the four-nations tournament.
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