NEW: ZIFA appoints Michael Nees for Warriors job

Online Reporter

THE ZIFA Normalisation Committee has named German coach Michael Nees as the new coach of the Zimbabwe men’s national football team.

The 57-year-old is expected to take over the reins immediately and will prepare the team for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers set to begin in September.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Nees as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe men’s national team.

“The 57-year-old German will lead the Warriors in their quest for success in the AFCON 2025 and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Michael Nees brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished background to the role,” said ZIFA in a statement on Tuesday.

“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.”

Over the past 25 years, 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,” adds the statement.

“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.”