By Steve Vickers BBC Sport, Harare

Marimo considers his future

Sunday Marimo has decided to continue as Zimbabwe coach, despite the criticism he received from some fans following the Warriors' first-round exit at the Nations Cup.

"I will carry on and lead the Warriors in the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup and Nations Cup," Marimo told BBC Sport.

After Zimbabwe's 2-1 win over Algeria in their final group game at Tunisia 2004, Marimo said he was under too much pressure.

Although the Warriors made a creditable debut Nations Cup appearance, many fans were expecting the team to progress further in the tournament.

I will lead the Warriors in the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup and Nations Cup Sunday Marimo

Marimo was offended by their comments, but since the team returned from Tunisia, backing for Marimo has grown.

Sports minister Aeneas Chigwedere asked him to continue, and the majority of fans have been in support of Marimo.

"I'm prepared to listen to coaches, journalists and supporters who know football, provided they talk constructively, but not criticism which is unfounded," Marimo said.

Marimo believes that the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) should appoint a technical director in charge of a programme for coaches nationwide.

"We need a very highly-qualified person from Europe or Brazil who can teach the latest training methods to our club coaches throughout the country and to myself," he explained.

"I would even be happy to work under that person with the Warriors, but only if they were suitably qualified."

Zifa made attempts to bring in former South Africa coach Clive Barker as technical advisor for the Nations Cup, but the deal, which Marimo opposed, fell through.