Katsande questions new Warriors coach appointment

FORMER Zimbabwe captain and Kaizer Chiefs midfield stalwart, Willard Katsande, has publicly expressed his strong disapproval of the Zimbabwe Football Association's (Zifa) decision to appoint Marian Marinica as the new Warriors head coach. The veteran midfielder made his feelings known the day after the announcement, taking to social media to champion his former mentor, Stuart Baxter, as the superior choice to lead the Warriors into the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco this December. While Katsande stopped short of directly criticising Zifa, his Facebook post on Wednesday contained a series of pointed arguments that appeared to question the validity of Marinica's appointment. Katsande laid out four key reasons why Baxter was the logical candidate. The 39-year-old former Warriors captain emphasised that Baxter possesses an intimate knowledge of Zimbabwe's group stage opponents. Katsande also argued that Baxter has a deep understanding of the entire Zimbabwean talent pool, both locally and internationally while also drawing on the English-Scottish football coach's previous tenure as the South African national team coach (2004-2005). The Zimbabwean believes Baxter offers crucial experience and a better grasp of the African football philosophy. Katsande views Baxter's impressive track record as indisputable evidence of his suitability. Baxter famously guided Kaizer Chiefs to a league and cup double in his debut 2013 season and lifted the NEDBANK trophy with SuperSport United three years later. Across 758 games in his career, Baxter boasts a commendable 47% winning rate. "Baxter, every day, knows our opponents," Katsande wrote. "He understands Zimbabwean players who are playing locally and overseas and understands African football." Despite the high-profile lobbying for Baxter, Zifa has stood firm, asserting that Marinica's appointment was based on merit and a clear strategic vision. Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi reiterated the association's commitment to a serious, professional sporting structure. "His appointment reflects Zifa's commitment to building a competitive and sustainable football structure that delivers results both on and off the pitch," he stated, stressing that the decision was based on Zifa's own criteria and point of view.