ZIFA appoints Germany’s Michael Nees as new Warriors head coach
‘I will guide the national team with dedication and professionalism’: says Nees
By Sports Reporter
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the appointment of Germany’s Michael Nees as substantive Zimbabwe Men’s National Team coach, ending months of speculation over who was to take over the Warriors dugout.
In a statement, ZIFA said “Nees brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished background to the role”.
“He holds a UEFA Pro Licence from Germany and an M.A. degree in Sports Science, Performance Physiology, and Ethnology from the prestigious University of Heidelberg.
“Additionally, he has acquired a coaching qualification in “Life Kinetik,” a unique training methodology introduced to football by former Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp,” ZIFA said.
Over the past 25 years, Michael Nees has held elite coaching and technical leadership positions across CAF, UEFA, and AFC.
He has guided various national teams in over 200 international matches.
Notably, in 2005 and 2006, he was part of the support staff for the England National Team during the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany, under the auspices of FIFA.
Added ZIFA, “Michael Nees’s extensive experience includes serving as the Head Coach of the Rwanda Senior Men’s National Team and the Director of Coaching and Education at the South African Football Association (SAFA).
“His deep knowledge of the African football landscape and his innovative approach are expected to provide a significant advantage in the upcoming AFCON qualification campaign.”
On his part, Nees described himself as a football strategist who thinks outside the box.
“I am a modern and innovative coach who is driven by international challenges and who can think outside the box to gain a competitive advantage.
“Without a doubt, the Warriors always have great players and massive team potential, but they need to avoid being too predictable to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations.
“I am confident in achieving these goals because I have the expertise to professionally enhance all major factors of performance and to make a difference within a short period.
“I will guide the national team with dedication and professionalism, and work to achieve a winning Zimbabwe that can make the nation proud,” said Michael Nees.
ZIFA Normalisation Committee chairperson Lincoln Mutasa said the association is “confident that Michael Nees’s appointment will usher in a new era of success for the Warriors”.
“His vast experience, combined with his innovative coaching style, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our national team to new heights,” Mutasa said.
Nees has a whole weight of expectations from a football crazy nation that is yet to see even the modest of football successes.
he 57-year-old German will lead the Warriors in their quest for success in the AFCON 2025 and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
