South African Coach Joins Zimbabwe Ahead Of AFCON
A South African coach has joined the Zimbabwe national team technical staff ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.
Ronnie Moroka, who spent much of his coaching career with AmaZulu’s development structures, has been appointed as assistant coach to Zimbabwe head coach Mario Marinica.
Mario Marinica Appointed Zimbabwe Head Coach
Marinica was recently named Zimbabwe head coach, replacing Michael Nees, who was dismissed following the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October.
Zimbabwe previously competed in the same qualifying group as Bafana Bafana, where they recorded one loss and one draw, with all their matches played in South Africa.
Moroka’s Coaching Background
Moroka brings valuable experience to the Warriors’ technical team. He previously served as assistant coach at Marumo Gallants during the 2023/24 Motsepe Foundation Championship season, working under head coach Pitso Dladla.
His appointment strengthens Zimbabwe’s backroom staff as the team prepares for a demanding AFCON campaign.
Marinica’s AFCON Experience
New head coach Marinica, who hails from Romania, has prior AFCON experience. He guided Malawi to the knockout stages at AFCON 2022 — the nation’s first appearance in the round of 16 — before they were eliminated by Morocco.
Zimbabwe Drawn in Tough AFCON Group
Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group B of AFCON 2025, where they will once again face Bafana Bafana, alongside record champions Egypt and Angola.
Zimbabwe AFCON 2025 Group B Fixtures
- 22 December: Zimbabwe vs Egypt – Stade Adrar, Agadir
- 26 December: Zimbabwe vs Angola – Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
- 29 December: Zimbabwe vs South Africa – Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
The Warriors will be aiming for a strong start against Egypt before concluding their group-stage campaign against familiar rivals South Africa in Marrakech.
