Zimbabwe National Team Coach Selection…Finalists Named: Baxter, Conceição, Neveu, Gonçalves, Marinica
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has reportedly shortlisted five experienced international coaches for the vacant Warriors head coach position, with former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana boss Stuart Baxter believed to be one of the leading contenders.
The search follows the dismissal of German coach Michael Nees, who was sacked after Zimbabwe’s winless 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which saw the Warriors finish bottom of Group C. ZIFA received over a hundred applications for the high-pressure role but has now narrowed the list to five, all boasting extensive international experience.
According to insiders, the shortlist features Baxter alongside Marian Mario Marinica — the Romanian who previously served as Malawi’s technical director and coach before a recent stint with Liberia — as well as Patrice Neveu of France, who has managed national teams in Guinea, Kenya, DR Congo, Haiti, Mauritania, and Gabon. Portuguese tacticians Luis Gonçalves, formerly with Mozambique, and António Conceição, who led Cameroon during the 2021 AFCON, complete the final group.
While ZIFA has maintained secrecy around the recruitment process, reports indicate that several high-profile interviews were held online this week. Each candidate met ZIFA’s strict criteria, which required a CAF or UEFA Pro Licence and a minimum of five years’ experience managing at the top level in African or international competitions, including AFCON, CHAN, CAF Champions League, or COSAFA Cup.
Baxter’s name, however, has generated the most excitement. The 71-year-old coach, who guided Kaizer Chiefs to multiple league titles and previously led South Africa’s national team, is seen as a strong candidate to stabilise and modernise the Warriors setup. Unconfirmed reports suggest that if appointed, Baxter could be assisted by Lloyd Mutasa, coach of MWOS FC, and might reunite with his former player Knowledge Musona, whom he coached at Chiefs.
With AFCON 2025 in Morocco just weeks away, ZIFA is racing against time to appoint a coach who can quickly assemble the squad and prepare for two crucial international friendlies — against Algeria in Saudi Arabia on November 13 and Qatar on November 17.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has already hinted that the final decision will be announced early next week, ending weeks of speculation. The appointment is expected to usher in a new era of leadership for Zimbabwe’s national team as they aim to restore pride and make a statement in their sixth AFCON appearance.