PSL coaches back new Warriors gaffer

Langton Nyakwenda

Sports Reporter

SOME top local coaches have supported the appointment of Michael Nees as the new Warriors gaffer because they believe the German can add more value to the Zimbabwean game. Nees (57) was announced as the new Zimbabwe coach on Tuesday, becoming the first substantive gaffer since the departure of Croat Zdravgo Logarusic two years ago. 

Since Logarusic’s exit, coaches have been appointed on an ad hoc basis with the likes of Joey Antipas, Norman Mapeza, Sunday Chidzambwa, Brazilian Baltemar Brito and lately Jairos Tapera taking turns to lead the national team. 

But, on Tuesday, the ZIFA Normalisation Committee finally made a substantive appointment, bringing on board the German coach on a two-year deal. 

Although there has been a large section that has been pushing for the appointment of a local coach, there are some Premier Soccer League gaffers, who are backing the appointment of the expatriate. 

They believe the arrival of Nees could change the local football landscape. 

“We need to give the new coach time and support him. 

“The new coach also needs to consult elite coaches so that he quickly understands our football,’’ said TelOne coach, Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa.

The Warriors job had also attracted the interest of locals with such names like Dynamos’ Genesis Mangombe, Takesure Chiragwi (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Saul Chaminuka (GreenFuel), Thulani Sibanda (Bulawayo Chiefs) and GreenFuel assistant coach Taurai Mangwiro. 

While ZIFA are still pondering over who to appoint as Nees’ assistants, there is a general feeling that local coaches should occupy those positions. 

Newly-appointed Arenel Movers mentor Philani “Beefy” Ncube is advocating for Mangwiro to be one of Nees’ assistants. 

“This (appointment of a foreign coach) was long overdue,” said Ncube.

“We should have appointed a foreign coach a very long time ago, then have our guys to understudy him. 

“Our coaches need to learn from this guy and gain more experience. 

“I respect the new Warriors coach, looking at his CV you can see he is rich in football, age wise he is okay. 

“We just need to have our Zimbabwean coaches understudying him and in that vein, I would go for someone like Taurai Mangwiro, a coach who has always been in the trenches and is very experienced,” added Ncube. 

Nees holds several qualifications including a UEFA Pro Licence from Germany and an M.A. degree in Sports Science, Performance Physiology, and Ethnology from the University of Heidelberg. 

Over the past 25 years, Michael Nees has held elite coaching and technical leadership positions across CAF, UEFA, and AFC. 

Nees is expected to be officially unveiled by ZIFA when his work permit is processed. 

His first assignment could be the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya in Nairobi on September 4. 

It will be a hectic period for Nees, who will also oversee five more AFCON qualifiers before the year ends. 

Nees, whose package will be catered for by FIFA, is also tasked with resuscitating the Warriors’ faltering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. 

Zimbabwe anchors Group C standings with just two points at the halfway stage of the qualification marathon. 

But, Hwange coach Rodwell Dhlakama is looking beyond immediate results as he believes the appointment of Nees has multifaceted benefits. 

“There are several reasons why the German was appointed our national team coach,” said Dhlakama. 

“Nees can bring a different perspective, unique strategies, and a wealth of experience that can benefit the team.

“By looking beyond national borders, we can tap into a larger talent pool and select coaches with the specific skills and knowledge needed to improve our performance.” 

Dhlakama, who has coached several PSL clubs, including the now-defunct Monomotapa, Chapungu, Ngezi Platinum Stars, and GreenFuel, reckons that the appointment of a German coach can also promote cultural exchange. 

“Coaches from diverse backgrounds can bring new ideas, approaches, and ways of thinking that can enrich the team’s overall experience and performance,” added the former Black Leopards coach.

“There can be development of local coaches like what happened during Reinhard Fabisch and Klaus Pagels’ time. 

“Local coaches may have the opportunity to learn from the foreign coach’s methods and techniques, which can help in building a stronger coaching infrastructure within the country.” 

Dhlakama also thinks Zimbabwean football can gain more mileage by appointing a foreign coach from a respected football nation like Germany. 

“Hiring a high-profile coach from a foreign country can generate media attention and public interest, which can help increase the team’s visibility and fan base. 

“This can be particularly beneficial for sports teams looking to expand their reach and attract sponsors. 

“Ultimately, the goal of hiring any coach, whether local or foreign, is to improve the team’s performance. 

“If a foreign coach is seen as the best candidate to help the team achieve its goals and succeed in competitions, then their nationality may be less important than their coaching abilities and track record. 

“It’s important to note that the decision to appoint a coach from a foreign country is typically based on a combination of factors, including the coach’s qualifications, experience, fit with the team and its goals, and the specific needs of the organisation.

“I am sure you will agree with me that this is how countries like Botswana, Eswatini, and Lesotho improved their game over time, also countries like England, Spain, and Brazil have a fusion of foreign coaches, and results are there for all to see.” 

Nees is confident of turning around Zimbabwe’s fortunes.

The Warriors have never qualified for the World Cup and have yet to progress beyond the group stage at the AFCON finals.

“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,’’ Nees said. 

“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,” he said in a statement issued via ZIFA.