Nees Takes Charge: Zimbabwe Football's New Coach Eyes Afcon Glory Amidst Challenges

Michael Nees, the newly appointed head coach of Zimbabwe's national football team, is embarking on a challenging yet promising journey as he prepares the squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 qualifiers. With the undeniable talent present within Zimbabwean football, Nees is keen on creating a competitive team, despite the hurdles he faces, including the recent FIFA ban that has cast a shadow over the sport in the nation. Nees, who has already begun his assessment of local talent, emphasizes the importance of firsthand observation. "You need to go around the country, to watch the games, then you feel the real football. I've already started that, but it will take a few months to really assess everybody," he stated, indicating his commitment to understanding the nuances of Zimbabwean football. One of the significant disappointments for Nees is the inability to host matches on home soil due to inadequate stadium facilities that do not meet the standards set by the Confederation of African Football. As a result, the team's opening Group J clash against Kenya will take place in Kampala, Uganda, rather than in Zimbabwe. "We wanted to play our home game in South Africa - best stadiums, best pitches, best hotels, no stress," Nees explained. Kenya’s choice to contest the match in Uganda has compounded logistical challenges, particularly as the team faces multiple fixtures in a short timeframe. Nees reflects on the missed opportunity of playing in front of Zimbabwean fans, stating, "If there was a stadium for 100,000 people in Harare, it would be packed. I'm not kidding. There is such a big desire for football. It was really one of the main attractions for me." His squad will feature a blend of established local stars like Khama Billiat, alongside promising talents from the Zimbabwean diaspora, including 20-year-old Tawanda Chiwera, who recently joined Derby County on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. In his strategic planning, Nees acknowledges the impact of Zimbabwe's infrastructure on the game. "The pitches are more difficult, so the game has to be a little slower, because they need time to control the ball. It cannot be a fluent passing game like it would be on a nice pitch," he noted. This reality necessitates a tactical approach that plays to the strengths of local players familiar with such conditions. As the qualification rounds draw near, Nees faces a tight timeline to mold a cohesive unit capable of overcoming their group rivals and securing a spot in the prestigious tournament. The upcoming October international window will see the team engage in back-to-back fixtures against Namibia, followed by crucial matches against Kenya and Cameroon in November. With a clear vision and a commitment to harnessing local talent, Nees hopes to unlock the potential of Zimbabwean football and inspire a new generation of players. As the journey unfolds, the footballing community in Zimbabwe and beyond will be watching closely, eager to witness the resurgence of a team with a storied history and a passionate fan base.