Sekhukhune United youth coach Kaitano Tembo is at a make-or-break moment as Zimbabwe’s interim coach, auditioning at the Unity Cup in London.
Tembo took over from Romanian mentor Marian Marinica, who left 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. But his time in Zim was short-lived, just like his stints with Malawi and Liberia, as it was surrounded by controversy, especially how he handled the Marshall Munetsi saga.
Crucially, Marinica’s departure paved the way for Tembo, who had long been aiming for the hot seat. He was working as Marinica’s assistant, also doubling as Sekhukhune’s development coach.
While ZIFA has been mum about the next steps in appointing a substantive coach, FARPost has been informed that they are giving Tembo a chance to fully express his ability as head coach. Tembo is assisted by Caps United coach Takesure Chiragwi.
KAITANO TEMBO’S AUDITION FOR THE PERMANENT HEAD COACH JOB
A ZIFA source revealed to FARPost that the Unity Cup is essentially Tembo’s audition for the permanent head coach position, and how they fare will determine whether he gets the job.
“Tembo’s appointment as interim coach was a natural progression, given his experience as Marinica’s assistant. The Unity Cup provides Tembo with the perfect platform to showcase his skills and prove himself as a capable leader. This is his interview, his test and his chance to be a substantive coach. All eyes are on him,” the source said.
His performance at the Unity Cup in London will be a major factor in determining his future as the Warriors’ head coach. Should Tembo impress at the Unity Cup, to be held between 26 and 30 May, he will heighten his chances of being appointed Zimbabwe’s substantive coach.
The Unity Cup will also involve Nigeria, Jamaica, and India. But the Super Eagles are expected to send a second-string squad for the four-nations tournament.
Zimbabwe will face Nigeria in the semi-final on 26 May at The Valley Stadium. While Zimbabwe has faced Nigeria eight times in various competitions, including the AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, this will be the first time they will take on Jamaica and India.
MARSHALL MUNETSI RETURNS AS THE MUSONA BROTHERS MISS OUT
Tembo has already named his squad for the tourney, with former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshall Munetsi returning to the team. Munetsi had been overlooked, missing out on the 2025 AFCON on the pretext that he was injured.
He never played a single game under Marinica, as Zimbabwe dismally failed at the continental stage in Morocco. In addition, the Musona brothers, Knowledge and Walter, were overlooked for the tournament. Reasons for their omission remain unclear.
PSL stars that include Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, Emmanuel Jalai of Durban City FC, and Mamelodi Sundowns‘ Divine Lunga were called up. TS Galaxy’s Junior Zindoga and Daniel Msendami of Orlando Pirates are also part of the team.
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