THE international friendly in Doha against a formidable Qatar side, ranked 52nd in the world, was more than just a pre-Afcon tune-up for the Zimbabwe Warriors — it was a high-stakes examination for new head coach Marian 'Super Mario' Marinica.
Given the toxic atmosphere that reportedly engulfed The Warriors camp — a cauldron of chaos, disciplinary issues, and unproven allegations of racial language and player mutiny — the 2-1 victory was not just a win; it was an emphatic, grade-A pass of the test.
Marinica inherited a team shrouded in the turmoil that ultimately consumed his predecessor, Michael Nees.
His arrival was met with deep scepticism, a sentiment fuelled by the heavy 3-1 loss to Algeria and the swirling rumours of a fractured dressing room.
The decision to sideline a key player like captain Marvelous Nakamba for the first match only added fuel to the fire, prompting many to doubt the wisdom of Zifa's appointment.
The air was thick with calls for his early dismissal, painting him as the wrong man to lead The Warriors to the Afcon finals with the historic task of progressing past the group stage.
The victory over Qatar, a side coached by former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui and one that took an early 9th-minute lead, served as a resounding rebuttal to every single detractor.
What was most compelling was not merely the result, but the manner of the performance. A team reportedly divided and demoralised does not match a superior opponent, pound for pound, for 90 minutes.
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A team in disarray does not concede to a 52nd-ranked opponent early on, only to display mental fortitude and tactical discipline to claw its way back, equalising before the break through Munashe Garananga’s powerful header.
The second half, in particular, was a revelation.
With a heavily depleted squad — missing key players like Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Jordan Zemura, Tawanda Chirewa and Tawanda Maswanhise — The Warriors demonstrated complete control.
The tactical shifts, including the controversial substitution of striker Prince Dube for midfielder Prosper Padera, paid dividends.
Save for an astounding 68th-minute save by Elvis Chipezeze, The Warriors were largely comfortable. The game-winning goal, a brilliant counter-attacking finish by substitute Bill Antonio, was the final, deserved punctuation mark on a disciplined, high-octane performance.
This was the work of a team that is united, motivated and, crucially, buying into the coach's philosophy.
Nakamba’s return and backing of the coach ahead of the match, followed by the team’s display, proves that Marinica’s tough-love approach — while perhaps bruising to delicate egos — is effective.
He has emerged from the Saudi Arabia and Qatar fire with flying colours, demonstrating he is a strict disciplinarian whose methods bring results.
The victory against a higher-ranked opponent, a whopping 77 places above us on the Fifa ranking list, is a testament to his immediate impact.
Marinica’s willingness to cast the net wider for players, including a focus on local talent, is the long-term vision Zifa needs. He has shown that with the right mentality and the right material, even a depleted Warriors squad can achieve great things.
Credit must also be given to Zifa for organising crucial, high-level friendly matches, which are invaluable for long-term improvement and Fifa ranking points.
We must provide Marinica with 100% support and everything he requires — financially, logistically and emotionally — to ensure The Warriors mount a truly memorable and historic Afcon campaign.
The Doha thriller was the birth of a new, disciplined and winning Warriors side. Let us not derail it at this crucial juncture.
