Sports Correspondent
While Zimbabwean football enthusiasts are preoccupied with the upcoming ZIFA elections, Warriors head coach Michael Nees is setting his sights on a different challenge. Although the outcome of the elections, scheduled for January 25, will impact his work, the German expatriate’s primary focus remains on his team’s performance on the pitch.
Nees led the Warriors to a successful AFCON qualifying campaign, finishing second in Group J. However, before the team heads to Morocco for the 35th edition of the continental showpiece in December, Nees faces another significant hurdle: the Warriors’ World Cup qualification campaign, which resumes in March.
Currently sitting at the bottom of Group C with just two points, Zimbabwe’s hopes for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—look slim. The Warriors began their World Cup journey with disappointing draws against Rwanda and Nigeria, followed by defeats to Lesotho and South Africa under interim coach Jairos Tapera. These losses have put their qualification prospects in jeopardy.
Despite the uphill battle ahead, Nees remains optimistic, acknowledging the tough road ahead but refusing to give up hope. “We don’t need to beat around the bush here, we’re not in a very good position. But still, there are six games to play. And we see that as a double project,” Nees shared with CAF Online. “First, we want to do everything to turn the corner in the group and turn things for the better, but we know where we are. We know the challenges. At the same time, it’s very good preparation for the Cup of Nations finals. We will try our best and let’s see how it goes.”
Nees’ coaching tenure has been marked by resilience, especially considering the complications of playing home games outside Zimbabwe due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium. With one loss in the AFCON qualifiers, Nees has shown that he can lead the Warriors to overcome difficult circumstances.
The Warriors will face Benin in March before traveling to Nigeria to take on the Super Eagles just days later, with both fixtures critical to their World Cup aspirations. Nees and his team remain determined to fight for a chance to make history.