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Marinica Returns to Southern Africa as Zimbabwe Warriors Head Coach

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the appointment of Romanian tactician Marian (Mario) Marinica as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Football Team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks Marinica’s return to Southern African football just over two years after his controversial exit from Malawi.

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The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the appointment of Romanian tactician Marian (Mario) Marinica as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Football Team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks Marinica’s return to Southern African football just over two years after his controversial exit from Malawi.

Marinica, 61, was dismissed by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) in April 2023 following a string of poor results in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. His tenure ended after back-to-back defeats to Egypt — a 2-1 loss in Cairo on March 24 and a crushing 4-0 defeat at home at Bingu National Stadium on March 28. The losses sparked public outrage, with fans staging protests and calling for the resignation of both Marinica and FAM President Walter Nyamilandu Manda.

Despite the sour ending, Marinica’s time in Malawi was not without highlights. He is credited with leading the Flames to a historic Round of 16 finish at the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon — Malawi’s best-ever performance at the continental showpiece. His tactical approach, dubbed “fast and very fast football,” earned praise during the tournament, where Malawi stunned Senegal with a goalless draw and defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in the group stage.

ZIFA expressed confidence in Marinica’s qualifications, experience and regional familiarity, stating that throughout his “distinguished” career, he has worked with several prestigious clubs and national teams.

“A highly accomplished UEFA Pro Licensed coach, Marinica brings over 25 years of international coaching and technical experience across four continents – Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from South Bank University (England) and a Diploma in Management, underlining a blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership. Throughout his distinguished career, Marinica has worked with several prestigious clubs and national teams including Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Internazionale Milano, AS Monaco, Liverpool FC, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi, and Liberia national teams,” ZIFA said in a press statement.

The Romanian’s background also includes serving as a Technical Director, Coach Educator, and Performance Consultant, with deep expertise in player development, match analysis, and grassroots structures. His track record of empowering local coaches and integrating diaspora talent aligns closely with ZIFA’s long-term football development strategy.

Speaking on the appointment, ZIFA President Ngobile Magwizi said:

“We are delighted to welcome Coach Marinica to Zimbabwe. His wealth of experience, modern football philosophy, and proven results 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.”

Marinica’s immediate task will be preparing the Warriors for the 2025 AFCON campaign scheduled for next month. His appointment has sparked mixed reactions among Zimbabwean football fans, with some hopeful that his previous success with Malawi could translate into a revival for the Warriors, while others remain cautious given his recent setbacks.

As the Warriors embark on a new chapter, all eyes will be on Marinica to see whether he can replicate past glories and steer Zimbabwe back to the top tier of African football.

Football

Win a Car with Coca-Cola’s FIFA World Cup Competition!

Coca-Cola, the official FIFA World Cup partner, has unveiled an electrifying competition that promises to bring fans closer to the action while celebrating the world’s biggest football tournament.

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Coca-Cola, the official FIFA World Cup partner, has kicked off an exhilarating competition that gives local soccer fans the chance to drive away in a brand-new car while celebrating the world’s biggest sporting event.

From June 11 to July 19, 2026, local soccer lovers can sip, scan, and score big as the World Cup kicks off across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This historic edition will be the first to feature 48 teams and be jointly hosted by three nations.

How to Enter

  • Buy any 300ML Coca-Cola with a yellow cap.
  • Find the unique code under the cap.
  • Scan the QR code or send “COKE” via WhatsApp to 0783313439 and follow the prompts to enter.

Prizes Up for Grabs

Fans stand a chance to win a brand-new car and many other exciting prizes.

Delta Beverages captured the spirit of the campaign on social media:

“Every celebration, every victory, every unforgettable moment deserves a refreshing Coke. As the official FIFA World Cup, Coca-Cola is bringing fans closer to the action. Buy, enter, and stand a chance to win a car and many more prizes.”

This competition is more than just about winning—it’s about savoring every goal, every cheer, and every unforgettable World Cup moment with an ice-cold Coca-Cola in hand.

Will you be the lucky fan driving away with the grand prize? Grab your yellow-cap Coke today and join the celebration!

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Football

PSL Major Sponsor Worried About Match Violence

Harare – Castle Lager, the principal sponsor of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL), has expressed grave concern over rising incidents of fan violence at local football matches that  could tarnish the image of the league and discourage potential sponsors.

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Harare – Castle Lager, the principal sponsor of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL), has expressed grave concern over rising incidents of fan violence at local football matches that  could tarnish the image of the league and discourage potential sponsors.

The sponsor’s press statement follows violent clashes on Sunday at Chahwanda Stadium during a league fixture between Hardrock and Dynamos. The match, which ended prematurely, saw an estimated 10 people injured and taken to hospital after chaos erupted in the second half.

Trouble began in the 67th minute when Hardrock were awarded a penalty, converted by Wilfred Madzungu to level the score at 1–1. Tensions flared immediately after the equaliser, with rival fans storming the pitch and disrupting play. Players and technical staff from both sides were escorted off the field as police and security personnel struggled to contain the unrest. 

Hardrock fans beat up a Dynamos supporter
Hardrock fans beat up a Dynamos supporter at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday

This is not an isolated incident; it is the second time the Kwekwe-based side has been involved in a crowd disturbance. On Sunday, 19 April 2026, a video circulated on social media allegedly showing Hardrock FC marshals and supporters involved in crowd trouble during the match between Hardrock FC and Ngezi Platinum Stars. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has since launched an investigation into the disturbances, and a ruling is yet to be issued.v

In its press release, Castle Lager condemned the violence, citing that it does not represent its values. 

“Football has long held a unifying role in Zimbabwean society—bringing together

communities, families, and supporters in a shared celebration of passion, talent, and national pride. Recent events, however, fall short of the spirit of the game and the values we collectively stand for.”

Castle Lager further urged the PSL leadership, clubs, and relevant authorities to act decisively and transparently in investigating the disturbances and implementing disciplinary measures. The sponsor warned that continued violence could erode confidence in the league and jeopardise future investment in Zimbabwean football.

“As a longstanding partner of the PSL, Castle Lager strongly condemn all forms of violence and unsportsmanlike behaviour, both on and off the field. The safety of fans, players, match officials and all stakeholders remains paramount,” the statement read.

The sponsor reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and integrity of the PSL but stressed that the game must be played in an environment that reflects safety, respect, fairness, and unity. Castle Lager also wished those injured a speedy recovery and appealed to fans to reject violence and support their teams responsibly.

“We urge all involved to act decisively and transparently to restore confidence in the game.

As sponsors, we are actively engaging with the PSL leadership on these matters and await the

outcomes of the ongoing investigations into these events. This is to help us understand the

root causes behind these disruptions and support practical, long-term solutions that reinforce a safe and enjoyable football environment…We believe the game must be played, and experienced, in a manner that reflects safety, respect, fairness and unity.”

The incident has reignited debate over stadium security and fan conduct, with analysts advocating for decisive action to be taken against the perpetrators of such unsportsmanlike behavior. 

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Football

‘Bottle Fan’ Congratulates Arsenal on League Triumph

In a twist of football fate, Tal Rehmann, the Manchester City supporter famously dubbed the “bottle fan” after his viral banter video, has extended warm congratulations to Arsenal following their historic League victory.

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Tal Rehmann

In a twist of football fate, Tal Rehmann, the Manchester City supporter famously dubbed the “bottle fan” after his viral banter video, has extended warm congratulations to Arsenal following their historic League victory.

Rehmann first captured attention on matchday 33 at the Etihad Stadium, where cameras caught him cheekily holding a bottle branded with Arsenal’s logo and making a drinking gesture. The stunt was quickly interpreted as “sipping on Arsenal’s tears” after Erling Haaland’s 65th‑minute strike sealed City’s 2–1 win, narrowing the gap to just three points behind the Gunners with a game in hand.

Yet football’s drama is never short-lived. Four matches later, the tables turned spectacularly. Arsenal clinched the 2025–26 Premier League title , their first in 22 years , after City stumbled to a 1–1 draw against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium.

Sky Sports caught up with Rehmann, eager to hear his reflections now that the team he mocked had risen to glory. With a wry smile, he admitted:

“First and foremost, congratulations to Arsenal. You have won the League — well done. And that, you know, it’s killing me to say it, but there’s no bitterness in me.”

Rehmann insisted his antics were all in the spirit of football fun:

“My bottle prank was pure banter. Some of you took it in a good way, which is what it was meant to be. Those who saw it negatively need to understand the word banter. I’m a football fan — I travel home and away, and cameras are everywhere. Somebody said I was ‘drinking Arsenal tears,’ but those weren’t my words. The lid was still on the bottle! I was just messing about with my son, and before I knew it, three and a half minutes later, I’d gone viral.”

He laughed about the image living “rent‑free” in Arsenal fans’ minds, but also acknowledged the possibility that his antics may have spurred the Gunners on:

“I think I motivated them, and I apologise to anyone who didn’t want Arsenal to win the League.”

From playful mockery to reluctant admiration, Rehmann’s journey mirrors the unpredictable beauty of football itself, where fortunes shift, rivalries ignite, and even a bottle can become a symbol of banter that outlives the match.

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