Kosta Papic, a former manager in both the Ghana Premier League and the Premier Soccer League, is reportedly vying for the coveted position of Zimbabwe’s national team coach.
Papic boasts stints with notable clubs such as Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League, as well as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the PSL, solidifying his status as one of the experienced European coaches within the realm of African football.
Having traversed various leagues on the continent, including the Nigerian Premier League and Tanzania, the 63-year-old tactician has positioned himself as a strong contender for the Zimbabwe national team coaching role.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) recently publicized the vacancy, a result of the country’s reinstatement into international football after a year-long hiatus following their participation in the 2021 AFCON.
With FIFA’s suspension of Zimbabwe and subsequent coaching vacancy, the newly established Zimbabwean normalization committee is diligently working to appoint a capable leader ahead of the impending World Cup qualifiers.
Kosta Papic, a former mentor of clubs like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, is among those expressing interest in guiding the Warriors.
His representation, Elite Sport Management Agency, has officially submitted an application to ZIFA for Papic’s candidacy as the head coach of the Zimbabwe senior men’s national team.
Moses Muzumara of the agency stated, “He believes he can achieve a lot with the team,” highlighting Papic’s familiarity with the quality and determination of Zimbabwean players, having coached talents like Edelbert Dinha during his tenure at Pirates.
Papic’s extensive coaching portfolio includes spells at various African clubs, including Enyimba and Enugu in Nigeria, Hearts of Oak in Ghana, and Young Africans in Tanzania.
Zimbabwe, positioned in a challenging World Cup qualifying group alongside Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, and Lesotho, is also gearing up for the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
Meanwhile, Shepherd Murape, another former coach from the DStv Premiership, has also been linked to the same coaching role.
