As ZIFA hunts for a new Warriors coach, debate reignites over Grobbelaar’s past coaching role and premature exit
As the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) continues its search for a new Warriors head coach, social media has been awash with debate — and one name keeps surfacing: Bruce Grobbelaar, the legendary former Liverpool and Warriors goalkeeper.
Some fans have questioned whether Grobbelaar ever coached the national team, with comments suggesting that while he was a great player, “he never coached anywhere.” However, historical records and match data confirm that he did, in fact, coach Zimbabwe — and with early success before administrative fallout cut his tenure short.
Grobbelaar, now 68, was briefly appointed Warriors head coach in 1996 and 1997. He famously started himself in goal against Sudan in an AFCON qualifier in Khartoum, then substituted himself during the match — which Zimbabwe went on to win 3–0 thanks to goals from Charles Johane and a brace by Agent Sawu. A week earlier, he also led the team to a 1–0 win over Tanzania at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
According to verified FIFA records, Grobbelaar’s official coaching record for Zimbabwe reads:
1996: 2 wins from 2 matches (Sudan 3–0, Tanzania 1–0)
1997: 1 loss (1–2 vs Cameroon in a World Cup qualifier)
That’s three matches in charge, two wins and one defeat, with a total of five goals scored and two conceded.
Unearthed 1996 Footage Confirms Bruce Grobbelaar’s Coaching Role with Zimbabwe’s Golden Generation
A rare Associated Press (AP) video from 1996 has surfaced online, showing former Warriors and Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar leading Zimbabwe’s national team in Harare — further proving that the iconic goalkeeper not only played for but also coached the Warriors during that era.
The footage captures Grobbelaar conducting training sessions and giving tactical instructions to a squad packed with elite local and international stars. Among the players under his guidance were Peter Ndlovu, Adam Ndlovu, Agent Sawu, Norman Mapeza, Calisto Pasuwa, Charles Yohane, Lloyd Chitembwe, Francis Shonhayi, and Benjamin Nkonjera — names synonymous with Zimbabwe’s footballing golden generation.
Despite the positive start to his coaching career, Grobbelaar’s stint ended abruptly in 1997 amid financial disputes with ZIFA. Several insiders and former administrators recall that the association failed to meet his agreed salary — reportedly after government officials refused payment in foreign currency.
“Yes, we were on the right path,” one supporter recalled, “but the ZIFA administration decided to terminate his contract over money.”
Others argue that Grobbelaar’s experience, charisma, and winning mentality could be invaluable for a rebuilding Warriors side heading to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
“Bruce Grobbelaar would be the wisest choice,” wrote ZimbabweWarriorsZone fan on social media. “But then again, we’re dealing with ZIFA here.”
While some remain skeptical about his return — citing his long stay in Canada and past friction with football authorities — others believe the former Liverpool great, who both played for and coached Zimbabwe, deserves recognition as one of the nation’s most qualified legends.
Grobbelaar, a former Warriors goalkeeper and Liverpool legend, publicly criticised ZIFA’s 2024 appointment process, insisting he was “the best person” for the job. He said:
“Look, man, I was the best person to take charge of the Warriors right now because this is my country, and everything I do comes from the bottom of my heart, and the desire to take my country forward. These foreign coaches are in it for money!”
In his remarks he underlined his commitment to Zimbabwean football:
“I have always said and I will say it time and time again, that the most intelligent footballers in Southern Africa are Zimbabweans… What we need, what we as a unit together with all the resources that we can get is to get Zimbabwe to the next level.”
As ZIFA weighs its shortlist — which includes Pitso Mosimane, Kaitano Tembo, Calisto Pasuwa, and others — the debate around Grobbelaar’s credentials underscores a deeper truth: Zimbabwe’s coaching search is not just about finding a tactician, but about reconnecting with its footballing identity.