Zimbabwe Fires German Coach Michael Nees Ahead of AFCON Finals

Zimbabwe sacks Coach Michael Nees before AFCON

The Zimbabwe Football Association has terminated the services of German coach Michael Nees, effective immediately, due to the team's underwhelming performance in the World Cup qualifiers. 

Nees had successfully led the team to qualify for the AFCON finals in Morocco but struggled in the World Cup qualifiers, winning only two out of 14 games...

Zimbabwe has parted ways with German coach Michael Nees, just two months before the Africa Cup of Nations finals, where they'll face South Africa, among others. Nees' dismissal follows a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nees had been at the helm for 14 months, but his tenure was marked by poor results, with only two wins in 16 matches. Despite leading Zimbabwe to the AFCON finals, his rigid tactics and inability to adapt were criticized. The Warriors finished bottom of their World Cup qualifying group.

The Zimbabwe Football Association has thanked Nees for his service and is now searching for a new coach to lead the team in the upcoming AFCON tournament. ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi emphasized the need for fresh leadership, and local coaches Norman Mapeza and Peter Ndlovu are being considered as potential interim replacements. Zimbabwe's upcoming fixtures include friendlies against Algeria and Qatar.

During his tenure, he oversaw the final six matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Unfortunately, the team ended up last in their group, managing only three draws and suffering three losses.

Overall, his performance was marked by limited success, with two wins in 14 games since taking charge last August.

PRESS STATEMENT: TERMINATION OF CONTRACT - MR. MICHAEL NEES#ZIFA #PressStatement pic.twitter.com/W2BBSwHi2i

— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) October 22, 2025

Following Michael Nees' departure, Zimbabwe will need to appoint a new coach before the upcoming Cup of Nations. The Warriors are scheduled to face Egypt in their opening Group B match in Agadir on December 22, and then take on South Africa seven days later.

The 58-year-old Nees had previously worked with national teams in Africa, notably Seychelles and Rwanda. He also held technical director roles in Israel and Kosovo. His experience will be hard to replace, and Zimbabwe will need to act quickly to find a suitable replacement.