Zimbabwe FA Snubs Mapeza, Grobbelaar in Warriors Coaching Search Despite Looming World Cup Qualifiers

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has re-advertised the Warriors coaching job, snubbing former Zimbabwe internationals Norman Mapeza and Bruce Grobbelaar, as well as other candidates they had recently interviewed. This decision comes just 30 days before critical World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on June 3 and South Africa a week later.

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee, led by Lincoln Mutasa, has decided to keep the nation speculating on several issues, including the reform process, appointment of national team coaches, and the venue for the upcoming matches. Despite receiving over 100 applications, the Normalisation Committee has not been satisfied with the candidates and has started a fresh search.

The new coach will be tasked with leading the senior men's national team and preparing them for various tournaments, including the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Normalisation Committee's decision to re-advertise the job suggests they have disbanded the technical committee that was previously set up to assist in identifying the right personnel for the national teams.

Why this matters: The Zifa Normalisation Committee has come under fire for not taking the Warriors' 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification seriously. Zimbabwe are currently fifth in the six-team Group C of the African qualifiers with two points from two matches, and the lack of a permanent coach at this critical juncture could jeopardize their chances of progressing further.

Concerned soccer fans have criticized Zifa's handling of the situation, suggesting that they should have retained previous caretaker coach Baltemar Brito or appointed a new coach earlier to ensure proper preparations for the upcoming matches. "Any new coach appointed at this late stage will have excuses for failing to qualify the team for the World Cup," argued one fan.

The Zimbabwe Football Association finds itself in a precarious position with the Warriors' World Cup qualifying hopes hanging in the balance. The decision to re-advertise the coaching job so close to critical matches against Lesotho and South Africa has drawn sharp criticism from fans who believe the Normalisation Committee is not prioritizing the team's success. As the clock ticks down to the June qualifiers, all eyes will be on ZIFA to see if they can quickly appoint a capable coach to lead the Warriors in their quest for World Cup glory.

Key Takeaways

• ZIFA re-advertises Warriors coaching job, snubbing Mapeza and Grobbelaar.
• ZIFA Normalisation Committee dissatisfied with candidates, starts fresh search.
• New coach to lead Warriors in 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
• Fans criticize ZIFA's handling, say new coach will have excuses for failure.
• ZIFA in precarious position as World Cup qualifying hopes hang in balance.