Player Exodus Hits Warriors Camp

Tensions inside the Warriors camp have exploded into a full-scale crisis, with the team fracturing around head coach Mario Marinica’s leadership. The situation took a dramatic turn yesterday when Tawanda Chirewa and Tawanda Maswanhise abruptly left the squad—less than 24 hours after Zimbabwe’s 3–1 defeat to Algeria.

Their decision hardly came as a surprise to those still in camp. Several players say the environment has been toxic for days. Jordan Zemura and Marshall Munetsi had already opted out before the Algeria game, and now key senior players are considering following suit ahead of Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Qatar.

According to multiple insiders, the camp has become emotionally draining, with frequent confrontations triggered by what players describe as Marinica’s abrasive management style.

“He talks to grown men as if they’re school kids,” one source said. “The insults keep getting worse. The squad has reached its limit.”

Some of the alleged remarks have stunned players.

“He told Maswanhise he was ‘playing like a grandmother.’ He told Jalai that he didn’t even resemble a professional player. There’s just no respect.”

The discontent intensified when Marinica benched Marvellous Nakamba and Divine Lunga—two influential figures in the squad before his arrival. Players now insist the team lacks clarity, confidence and belief in the coach’s high-tempo “helicopter football,” which faltered immediately during the Jeddah friendlies.

Before his first training session, Marinica had taken a tough stance, telling players, “No one is owed a place; you must earn it.” He argued that Zimbabwe had the talent to play more directly and pressed for a fast-paced style. After the friendlies, he promised to consider more local players for AFCON and said he had not selected the current squad—comments that failed to ease tensions.

The heavy loss to Algeria hardened doubts about his approach. The Warriors appeared disjointed and overwhelmed early in the match, with many players unsure of the tactical plan.

With two players already gone and others weighing their options, the team now approaches the Qatar match in disarray—and the exodus may not be over unless urgent changes are made.