As Kaitano Tembo prepares to take the helm of the Warriors of Zimbabwe, the reasons behind Marian Marinica’s sudden exit have been revealed, with the Marshall Munetsi saga being a major contributing factor.
Marinica sensationally stepped down from his role as head coach on Monday. He resigned after just five months in the hot seat of what had appeared to be a promising project.
The Romanian left after presiding over seven matches since his arrival in November 2025. He was in charge of two friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, where they lost 3-1 and won 2-1 respectively.
Marinica then led the team to the 2025 AFCON, where they lost 2-1 to Egypt, 3-2 to South Africa, and drew 1-1 with Angola. He plausibly helped the team win the Mukuru 4 Nations Cup, with a 3-0 win over Botswana and a 1-0 victory over Zambia.
But controversy marred his time as Zimbabwe coach, particularly the way he handled the Marshall Munetsi saga. Marinica had a strained relationship with arguably Zimbabwe’s best player and team vice-captain, Munetsi.
THE MARSHALL MUNETSI SAGA
The former Orlando Pirates star was overlooked in the team that participated in the 2025 AFCON on the pretext that he was injured. Munetsi revealed that he was fit to play, at least in the second match, but he was overlooked, as Zimbabwe dismally failed at the continental stage in Morocco.
An impeccable source at the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] said Marinica constantly questioned Munetsi’s commitment to the national cause. Marinica also conducted a seven-day European scouting tour in January 2026, where he met up with all the Europe-based Warriors. However, Munetsi was omitted.
The source also added that Italy-based left-back Jordan Zemura was turning down national team call-ups as he was frustrated by how Munetsi was being treated. In truth, Marinica was left isolated as ZIFA failed to help him mend the relationship with the star player. Munetsi and Zemura never played a single match under Marinica.
INTERFERENCE IN TEAM SELECTION
Marinica is also understood to have grown increasingly frustrated with alleged interference in the team selection. The 62-year-old was pressured to retain Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi, while he felt he was past his prime.
The source said pressure from football authorities and external stakeholders, particularly those based in the diaspora, influenced team call-ups, undermining his autonomy.
At the 2025 AFCON, he came under fire for overlooking Scotland-based star Tawanda Masvanhise, saying he didn’t fit his scientific approach. But when the player was given a chance, Masvanhise scored a sensational goal against Bafana Bafana and was involved in the second goal. But they lost 3-2.
MARINICA’S NEED FOR A FAMILIAR ASSISTANT COACH
Marinica is said to have requested additions to his technical team, a request that was yet to be fulfilled. During his tenure, Marinica was assisted by former SuperSport United and Sekhukhune United coach Tembo.
However, he wanted to add his own trusted lieutenant to solidify his grip on the squad. But it was not to be. Additionally, Marinica was being criticised for overlooking local players such as Obriel Chirinda, Kevin Moyo and Tymon Machope, who some felt could add value to the national cause.
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