The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced new coaching appointments for both the senior men's national team, the Warriors, and the Under-20 squad.

Rutendo Maraire

Norman Mapeza, a former national team captain and highly successful coach with FC Platinum, steps in as interim head coach. He replaces Baltemar Brito, who did not renew his contract. Mapeza will lead the Warriors in the upcoming four-nations tournament in Malawi, assisted by Takesure Chiragwi, head coach of Ngezi Platinum Stars.

The ZIFA Normalization Committee has confirmed Mapeza's appointment, entrusting him with the team's leadership for the imminent four-nation tournament set to take place in Malawi.

"ZIFA is excited to declare Norman Mapeza as the interim head coach for the Zimbabwe men’s national team, leading up to the four-nations tournament in Malawi. Scheduled from March 18th to 26th in Lilongwe, the tournament will see participation from Malawi, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Norman Mapeza, currently leading FC Platinum in the Zimbabwe Premier League, has earned several league titles with the team," announced ZIFA.

They also noted, "Norman Mapeza will receive assistance from Takesure Chiragwi, the head coach of Ngezi Platinum Stars."

Mapeza is well-regarded for his successful tenure as the head coach of FC Platinum, a leading team in the country’s Premier League.

Additionally, ZIFA has named Simon Marange, associated with Orlando Pirates, as the head coach for the Zimbabwe Under-20 men’s team.

"Currently, Simon Marange oversees the reserve team of Orlando Pirates, having ascended from coaching the U21s from 2020 to 2023. Prior to that, from 2018 to 2020, he led the U17 team of Orlando Pirates, securing the Future Champions Trophy by defeating teams like Osasuna, Club Brugge, and Spartak Moscow en route to the final, a competition that counts FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid among its past champions," ZIFA stated.

The association expressed confidence in Marange’s leadership and his extensive experience with nurturing elite youth talent, preparing them for professional football careers. Simon Marange’s assistant will be Backlyfield Chivenga, the former head coach of Aces Academy.