Although ZIFA board member in charge of competitions Bennedict Moyo declined to reveal the names of the candidates, a source within ZIFA told The Zimbabwean on Sunday that the two coaches have applied for Warriors job.
Barretto who is now based in South Africa submitted his application through an email to Moyo, according to our source.
“It’s premature for me to say anything because we are still receiving applications but there are some foreign coaches who have shown interest,” said Moyo.
The closing date for the applications is today (Sunday).
ZIFA, who are facing serious cash flow problems have asked caretaker coach Norman Mapeza to take charge of the team for their opening 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier away to Liberia on September 5 while they look for a substantive coach.
The soccer mother body has said it would appoint a coach depending on its ability to pay him, raising doubts about whether the bankrupt association can afford an experienced and possibly foreign coach.
Barretto last coached the Warriors during the Cosafa final against Zambia which Zimbabwe lost 1-0 at the National Sports Stadium in 1998 for Chipolopolo to lift regional crown.
Former Zimbabwe and Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar was a player and an assistant coach at the time.
That match also marked the end of Grobbelaar’s international career with Warriors.
Barretto, who is now based in South Africa, won two league titles with South African giants Orlando Pirates.
The Warriors are preparing for their 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. They are in Group A that also includes seasoned campaigners Mali and the Cape Verde whose game has improved greatly in the last couple of years.
The Warriors who are ranked 113 in the world failed to qualify for the last two editions of the tournament held in Ghana and Angola in 2008 and 2010.
Post published in: Football