ZIFA fires Warriors Coach Michael Nees.. Interim Coach to be named

By Knowledge Muneri

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) yesterday dismissed Warriors Coach Michael Nees, following a string of disappointing outing for the Warriors.

Zimbabwe under Nees registered just two wins in fifteen games, and finished bottom of their World Cup Qualifiers Group. Zimbabwe also lost to Rwanda, Bennin and Lesotho during the campaign as the team struggled to maintain a Warrior's status.

In a statement released by ZIFA, the Football Association expressed its gratitude to Michael Nees for his contributions to the National team which has also  seen Zimbabwe qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare. Michael Nees also became the first foreign coach to lead Zimbabwe to the continental stage.

The statement read.

"ZIFA wishes to inform all stakeholders and members of the public that the Executive Committee has resolved to terminate the contract of Mr Michael Nees with immediate effect

"The Association takes this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr  Nees for his efforts and contributions to Zimbabwe Football during his tenure. His dedication to the game and his services to the National structures are appreciate.

The statement further stated.

"ZIFA remains firmly committed to strengthening its technical  development programs and ensuring continued progress in all areas of the game in line with its reform and restructuring agenda. FURTHER information  regarding the transition process and interim technical arrangements will be communicated in due course."

Michael Nees departure comes after a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where the team failed to record a single victory in ten matches, leading to growing calls for his dismissal from fans and analysts.

During his tenure, Nees managed just two wins in 14 matches, with six draws and six defeats, making him one of the least successful national team coaches in over four decades. Critics argued that his tactical decisions and player selections were questionable, and that he lacked a grasp of the local football environment.

ZIFA has announced that it will appoint an interim coach while it conducts a thorough search for a permanent replacement, with the team set to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco in two months. Zimbabwe is also set to face Algeria and Qatar as part of their preparations.