Nees Takes Charge: Zimbabwe's Football Future Rides on Afcon Qualifiers Journey

Michael Nees, the newly appointed head coach of the Zimbabwe national football team, is stepping into a role filled with both promise and significant challenges as he prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers. With a keen eye on the country's undeniable football talent, Nees is embarking on a journey to understand and unlock the potential of Zimbabwean players. He acknowledges the need for thorough assessment, stating, “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.” However, Nees is acutely aware of the hurdles that lie ahead. Zimbabwean football has been marred by a recent two-year ban imposed by FIFA, which underscores the systemic issues that the sport faces within the nation. Adding to the complexity of his task, Nees expresses disappointment at the inability to host home games during the qualifiers due to poor stadium conditions that do not meet the standards of the Confederation of African Football. This has forced Zimbabwe to play its home matches abroad, with the upcoming clash against Kenya taking place in Uganda, a decision influenced by logistical challenges and the lack of quality facilities. In discussing the situation, Nees remarked, “We wanted to play our home game in South Africa - best stadiums, best pitches, best hotels, no stress. But Kenya wanted to play against us in Uganda instead. Maybe they were afraid that we'd have too many fans in South Africa.” This predicament reflects not only the infrastructural challenges facing Zimbabwe but also the broader competitive landscape of African football, where logistics can heavily influence match dynamics. As Nees prepares his squad, he combines local talent with players from the Zimbabwean diaspora, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful potential. The return of seasoned forward Khama Billiat and the inclusion of promising young talents like Tawanda Chiwera, who recently joined Derby County on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, highlight Nees’ strategy of building a competitive team. He emphasizes the importance of balancing local and international players, saying, “You rely always on the mixture of players abroad, who play in very good leagues, and local players. It must always be some sort of mixture.” Moreover, the impact of playing conditions on performances cannot be overlooked. Nees highlights the challenges posed by local pitches, which often hinder the fluidity of the game, requiring a more measured approach. “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 explains. This reality calls for a strategic adaptation to maximize the players' capabilities within the existing constraints. With the clock ticking down to the conclusion of the Afcon qualifiers at the end of the year, Nees faces an urgent need to establish a cohesive and competitive unit. The October international window will feature back-to-back matches against Namibia, followed by critical fixtures against Kenya and Cameroon in November. Each game presents an opportunity for Nees to not only assess his squad but also to lay the groundwork for a revitalized era in Zimbabwean football. As he embarks on this challenging journey, the passion and desire for football in Zimbabwe remain palpable. Nees is hopeful that with the right approach and commitment, he can harness the country’s footballing potential and inspire a new generation of players. “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,” he concluded, embodying the hope and ambition that surround his appointment.