By Ziyah News Sports Reporter
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has finally found their man, announcing the appointment of Michael Nees as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team, the Warriors. The 57-year-old German coach brings experience and knowledge of the African football terrain after stints with Rwanda, South Africa and Seychelles to the role and is tasked with the goal of leading the team to success in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers kicking off in September and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Nees holds a UEFA Pro Licence from Germany and a Master’s degree in Sports Science, Performance Physiology, and Ethnology from the University of Heidelberg. He also has a coaching qualification in “Life Kinetik,” a unique training methodology introduced to football by former Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp.
With over 25 years of experience in elite coaching and technical leadership positions across CAF, UEFA, and AFC, Nees has guided various national teams in over 200 international matches. His extensive experience includes serving as the Head Coach of the Rwanda Senior Men’s National Team and the Director of Coaching and Education at the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Nees expressed his excitement about the appointment, saying, “I am a modern and innovative coach who is driven by international challenge. 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.”
ZIFA Chairman Lincoln Mutasa welcomed Nees, saying, “ZIFA is confident that Michael Nees’s appointment will usher in a new era of success for the Warriors. His vast experience, combined with his innovative coaching style, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our national team to new heights.”
A brief look at the CV of the new Warriors man tasked with taking Zimbabwean football
Full name Michael Nees
Date of birth 23 July 1967 (age 57)
Place of birth Karlsruhe, West Germany
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1992–1994 Karlsruher FV
1993–1994 → SG Oftersheim (loan)
1995–1996 ASV Durlach
Managerial career
2001 Japan (technical advisor)
2003–2004 Seychelles
2006–2007 Rwanda
2008–2009 South Africa (technical advisor)
2013–2015 Israel (technical director)
2013–2015 Israel U21
2017–2022 Kosovo (technical director)
2021–2022 Kosovo U21