After more assistant spells, with F.C. Famalicão and Al Nassr FC, he began his head coaching career in 2007, with lowly C.D. Portosantense.
Born in Shkodër, Zmijani played professionally in Albania, France, Saudi Arabia and Germany for Vllaznia Shkodër, Gazélec Ajaccio, Al Nassr and FC St. Pauli.