Warriors Coach Nees Ready for AFCON
3 February 2025
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Soorts Correspondent

Zimbabwe Warriors coach Michael Nees has returned from his holiday break, re-energized and focused on achieving success in both the AFCON finals and World Cup qualifiers.

With the AFCON finals looming in December and World Cup qualifiers resuming in March, Nees is aware of the challenges ahead. “We have a double project,” he said. “On one hand, we have to develop towards the AFCON finals, while on the other, we have to immediately perform well in the World Cup qualifiers.”

Nees attended the AFCON draw in Rabat, Morocco, where Zimbabwe was grouped with Egypt, South Africa, and Angola in Group B. Despite the tough draw, Nees is confident that the Warriors can hold their own. “We need to peak at the AFCON finals, not before,” he said. “We have to prepare well and make sure we bring maximum performance on the pitch.”

The German coach also met with new ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi in Rabat, describing their conversation as “very positive.” Nees acknowledged that the World Cup qualifiers are crucial but believes that Zimbabwe still has a chance to turn things around.

The Warriors will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign in March with matches against Benin and Nigeria. Nees is looking forward to the challenge, saying, “We will do our best. Whatever comes, we will do our best.”

With the AFCON finals in December, Nees is targeting a spot in the knockout stage. “Our goal is to progress to the second round and then see how far we can go,” he said. Nees also praised Angola, describing them as a team with “very skilful players.”