It is reported that the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)’s decision to appoint Marian (Mario) Marinica was a financial compromise after negotiations with several high-profile candidates collapsed over cost and contract terms.
According to insiders, some of the shortlisted coaches demanded longer contracts, huge salaries, and expensive perks, forcing the association to consider more affordable options.
“Top coaches wanted three-year contracts, bigger pay packages, and full technical teams. ZIFA simply couldn’t afford that,” a source revealed.
While long-term deals promote stability and planning, they come with a catch — if the coach is fired early, ZIFA must pay out the remainder of the contract, unless it includes a results-based termination clause.
One unnamed coach reportedly had the highest demands:
▪️ $25,000 monthly salary
▪️ First assistant – $10,000
▪️ Second assistant – $8,000
▪️ Interpreter – $5,000
▪️ Plus a three-year contract
Faced with these figures, ZIFA settled for Marinica, whose terms were described as “reasonable and performance-focused.”
For now, it appears to be a compromise appointment, but the focus shifts to the pitch — can Marinica deliver results under these constraints?
Whatever the circumstances, one thing is clear: the Warriors need unity more than speculation.
Let’s rally behind the coach — he’s all we have. -ZiGoats