Tag Archives: Marian Mario Marinica

Regional, Sports

Zimbabwe FA hires former Malawi’s Flames coach Marinica

Shaffie A Mtambo

…..Fast and furious football arrives in Zimbabwe

HARARE-(MaraviPost )-The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially appointed former Malawi National Football Team Technical Director and Head Coach, Marian (Mario) Marinica, famously known as Triple M, as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Football Team, The Warriors.

The appointment, announced through a press release by ZIFA, confirms that Marinica has signed a one-year contract and will take charge with immediate effect.

The Romanian born tactician replaces interim arrangements made earlier this year and is expected to lead Zimbabwe into a new era of competitive football.

Marinica, a UEFA Pro Licensed Coach, brings with him over 25 years of international experience gained across Africa, Europe, Asia and South America.

He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from South Bank University (England) and a Diploma in Management, blending technical knowledge with strategic leadership.

Throughout his illustrious career, Marinica has worked with several top clubs including Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Inter Milan, AS Monaco, Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as national teams from Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi and Liberia.

His most recent notable achievement was guiding Malawi to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ,the country’s best ever finish. More recently, he helped Liberia achieve its highest FIFA ranking in June 2024, thanks to his strong emphasis on tactical discipline, youth development and modern football philosophy.

Speaking after the appointment, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi expressed confidence in Marinica’s expertise and leadership.

“We are delighted to welcome Coach Marinica to Zimbabwe. His wealth of experience, modern football philosophy and proven success at international level make him the ideal candidate to lead the Warriors into a new era. His appointment reflects ZIFA’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable football structure that delivers results both on and off the pitch,” he explained.

Marinica is expected to immediately start preparations for Zimbabwe’s upcoming friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar.

Known for his fast-paced, high-intensity tactical style famously dubbed “Fast and Furious Football” Marinica’s arrival has already sparked excitement among Zimbabwean fans, who hope he can replicate the success he brought to Malawi and beyond.

Malawi, Sports

New FAM Technical Director Marinica working illegally

Maravi Post Reporter
Marian Mario Marinica FAM President Walter Nyamilandu

Information reaching this publication indicates that the newly unveiled Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Technical Director Marian Mario Marinica is working illegally in the country as he has no work permit.

According to reports, FAM is yet to apply for a work permit for newly Marinica.

The Romanian was unveiled as Fam TD after he signed a three-year deal.

Marinica has hit the ground running after meeting Super League coaches and administrators in Central and Northern regions.

While in the country, he has already asked the Flames technical panel and players to submit reports.

Details have emerged that the association has not applied for the work permit as it is yet to finalise the deal with the Romanian.

Under the laws of Malawi, expatriates requires a work permit before they start working in the country.

An Employment Permit is issued to foreign nationals for purposes of taking up specified employment in Malawi, under Section 25 of the Immigration Act.

As it stands, the Romanian is still a visitor until he gets the work permit so that he can legally start working in Malawi.

On Thursday, Marinica had a meeting with Silver Strikers and TN Stars technical panel members at their respective venues.

In addition, Marinica met with Mzuzu coaches and youth football officials on Friday before visiting Luwinga Technical Centre in Mzuzu.

At Luwinga, he met with Fam Second Vice President Othaniel Hara and Northern Region Football Association officials.

Yesterday, he also had a meeting with Civil Service United and Karonga United coaches.

He is expected to meet Karonga-based coaches today.