The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has wielded the axe, terminating the contract of Warriors head coach Michael Nees with immediate effect.
The German tactician’s dismissal comes less than two months before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, a consequence of a dismal run of results that climaxed with a shocking defeat to minnows Lesotho.
Nees, who took charge of the national team in August 2024, lasted just over 14 months in the hot seat. His tenure saw the Warriors feature in 12 competitive matches, but only managed to record two wins, alongside six draws and four defeats.
Worryingly for the ZIFA executive, the only two victories came against Namibia during the successful AFCON qualifying campaign.
The final straw for the German coach appears to have been the country’s recent World Cup qualifier results. After back-to-back defeats to Benin and Rwanda in September, the team opened October with a draw against regional rivals South Africa and a damaging loss to Lesotho, which many insiders believe broke the camel’s back for the already under-fire Nees.
The consistent failure to secure victories in high-stakes World Cup qualifiers, compounded by the damaging results in recent fixtures, left the ZIFA Executive Committee with little option but to make a swift change ahead of the continental showpiece.
The announcement was made via an official press statement from the association
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (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 football governing body said.
“The Association takes this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Nees for his efforts and contributions to Zimbabwean football during his tenure. His dedication to the game and his service to the national structures are appreciated.
“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,” they added.
The decision now plunges the Warriors into a frantic search for a new head coach who can galvanise the squad and prepare them for the AFCON finals in the short time remaining.
Attention will now turn to who the ZIFA executive will appoint as the interim or substantive coach to steer the team at the prestigious tournament.
Former captain Kaitano Tembo, who was recently added the Warriors technical department is likely to take over the reins.
