Warriors head coach Marian Marinica has commended his players for their determination and resilience at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saying Zimbabwe can take pride in its performance despite failing to progress beyond the group stage.
Speaking after the Warriors’ final Group B encounter against South Africa, Marinica highlighted the team’s refusal to give up, noting that they fought back twice after conceding and remained competitive until the final whistle.
The Romanian tactician said the display reflected the fighting character he wants to instil within the squad as Zimbabwe builds for the future.
“I am very proud of the players’ attitude,” Marinica said. “They showed belief, courage and commitment. They never hid, even in difficult moments, and they kept fighting to the end. That mentality is very important for us going forward.”
While encouraged by the team’s spirit, Marinica acknowledged that competing at the highest level demands greater mental sharpness and composure, particularly in decisive moments.
“At this level, small errors are costly,” he said. “We need to do more work at home to prepare players mentally for pressure situations. Decision-making, calmness and strength of mind come from proper preparation and regular exposure to high-level competition.”
The Warriors arrived back in Zimbabwe on Wednesday morning following their exit from the tournament on Monday, closing a campaign that, despite falling short of qualification, offered signs of progress and renewed belief.
