Following the lifting of their ban by FIFA, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the appointment of former English Premier League side Chelsea FC assistant coach Baltemar Brito as the head coach of the Warriors until June 2024.
In a statement, ZIFA said the 71-year-old, who will be assisted by Bongani Mafu and Genesis Mangombe, will be in charge of the team when required and will continue at his club.
“ZIFA would like to thank Highlanders FC and Dynamos for allowing their employees to serve the nation. The coaches will remain with their clubs and will be reporting for national assignments as and when required to do so.”
Brito has been coaching Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League side Highlanders FC since June 2022.
He worked with José Mourinho for eight years as an assistant coach. He was part of Mourihno’s coaching staff at FC Porto and Chelsea from 2004 to 2007.
Brito’s first match in charge of the Warriors “will be an invitational match to celebrate Botswana’s Independence Day on September 30,” says ZIFA.
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The former FC Porto assistant coach will also be in charge of the national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.
Zimbabwe is in Group C alongside Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, and Lesotho for the World Cup qualifiers.
