The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has named Baltemar Brito as the new head coach of the senior men’s national team. The 71-year-old Portuguese tactician will be supported by Bongani Mafu and Genesis Mangombe of Dynamos.
Brito and Mangombe will continue in their roles at their respective clubs, Highlanders and Dynamos, while fulfilling national team duties when needed. The coaching team’s first assignment will be an invitational match in Botswana on 30 September, marking the country’s Independence Day celebrations. After that, their focus will shift to preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.
In a statement released on Thursday, ZIFA expressed satisfaction with the appointments, stating: “The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is pleased to inform the nation that it has appointed Baltemar Brito as the head coach of the senior men’s team forthwith until June 2024. He will be assisted by Bongani Mafu and Genesis Mangombe.”
The association added that the selection process was thorough and aligned with regional and global guidelines. The coaches’ contracts are set to conclude alongside the mandate of the current Normalisation Committee, providing the incoming ZIFA board with the flexibility to appoint new coaches if needed.
ZIFA also extended its gratitude to Highlanders FC and Dynamos for allowing Brito and Mangombe to serve the national team while retaining their club responsibilities. The association urged patience as it completes the recruitment of coaches for the remaining national teams. The names of the additional coaches will be announced once the process is finalized.