Zimbabwe Coach Nees Confident in World Cup and AFCON Qualification Hopes

Despite a sluggish start, Zimbabwe's national team coach Michael Nees is still confident in his side's prospects of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With two points from four games, the Warriors are now in last place in Group C, five points behind leaders Rwanda.

Nees stressed to the media that Zimbabwe can turn things around with six games left and 18 points still up for grabs. "You must persevere until the end like a sportsperson. We are total outsiders, but the group hasn't been determined yet," he said.

Zimbabwe resumes its campaign in March, hosting Benin before traveling to Nigeria. They will then face Benin and Rwanda in September, followed by matches against South Africa and Lesotho in October. Only the group winner will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Aside from the World Cup qualifiers, Nees is also preparing Zimbabwe for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December. This will be the country’s sixth AFCON appearance, but they have never progressed past the group stage. The Warriors are drawn alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.

Nees believes Zimbabwean football has yet to reach its full potential, citing frequent coaching changes and a lack of long-term planning as major setbacks. “To develop, you need continuity. We have a lot of exciting local and foreign-based players, but they need proper development,” he said.

The German coach is upbeat about the future after meeting with Nqobile Magwizi, the new ZIFA president. "Our tenacity is demonstrated by the fact that we qualified for AFCON without a home field. Zimbabwean football is entering a new era, and I am thrilled with the course we are going on," he continued.

Notwithstanding obstacles, Nees is committed to leading the Warriors through a pivotal season with the hopes of winning the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.