Zimbabwe appoints Michael Nees as new Head Coach ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Zimbabwe, the key rivals of the Harambee Stars in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, have appointed Michael Nees as their new head coach. The 57-year-old German takes over from former head coach Zdravko Logarusic.

Officially appointed on Tuesday, Nees promised to bring an unpredictable and dynamic approach to the Warriors as they prepare for both the AFCON 2025 and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He aims to inject a modern and innovative perspective into Zimbabwe’s football tactics.

Holding a UEFA Pro Licence and an M.A. in Sports Science, Performance Physiology, and Ethnology from the University of Heidelberg, Nees also brings a unique coaching qualification in ‘Life Kinetik,’ a method pioneered by Jürgen Klopp.

The Zimbabwe Football Association expressed their pleasure in acquiring Nees’s expertise.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association 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,” read their statement.

Nees boasts a 25-year career filled with success and has gained experience from over 200 international matches, including CAF, UEFA, and AFC competitions. His extensive resume includes serving as Head Coach of the Rwanda Senior Men’s National Team, Director of Coaching and Education at the South African Football Association (SAFA), and part of the England National Team’s support staff during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

“I am a modern and innovative coach driven by international challenges, and I think outside the box to gain a competitive edge. The Warriors have great players and immense potential, but they need to avoid predictability to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations,” Nees stated.

With the Harambee Stars historically struggling in the AFCON group stages, they will need to prepare rigorously to face this reinvigorated Zimbabwean side.