Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
ZIFA have intensified the hunt for the coach to take charge of the senior men’s football team after shortlisting five expatriate candidates following preliminary interviews done early this week.
The German trio of Winfried Schafer, Michael Nees and Antonie are the frontrunners for the hot seat, while Brazilian Marcio Maximo Barcellos and Spanish Gerard Nus have also made the list.
However, the list of shortlisted candidates does not include local coaches despite Bruce Grobbelaar, Saul Chaminuka and Taurayi Mangwiro having been keen to land the job.
In a statement yesterday, ZIFA confirmed that they have conducted the first round of interviews and indicated that the recruitment process is now entering the final phase.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing recruitment process for the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team Head coach. After an exhaustive search and meticulous selection process, the following applicants have been interviewed: Winfried Schafer, Michael Nees, Antoine Hey, Marcio Maximo Barcellos and Gerard Nus.
“The preliminary interviews were conducted on Monday, July 22. The second round of interviews is scheduled to take place over the next few days, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each candidate’s qualifications, vision and ability to lead our national tem to new heights,” reads part of the statement.
The Warriors have been without a substantive coach since 2022 when Croatian Zdravko Logarusic left his role.
Coaches Joey Antipas, Sundy Chidzambwa, Brazilian Baltemar Brito, Norman Mapeza and Jairos Tapera have all taken turns to be in charge on an interim basis since then.
The Warriors begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification assignment against Kenya in September and conclude the campaign in November before shifting focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that resume next year in March.
