ZIFA fires Warriors coach Nees after winless World Cup campaign

By KickOff.com

ZIFA has terminated the contract of Warriors coach Nees just over a week after the side completed an abysmal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Zimbabwe finished bottom of Group C in the qualifiers and were winless, ending the campaign with five draws and five defeats.

With only two months remaining before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, ZIFA announced the dismissal of the German tactician, who had been appointed in July 2024.

In an official statement on X, ZIFA said:

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to inform all stakeholders and members of the public that the Executive Committee has resolved to terminate the contract of Mr. Michael Nees with immediate effect.

“The Association takes this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Nees for his efforts and contributions to Zimbabwean football during his tenure. His dedication to the game and service to national structures are greatly appreciated.

“ZIFA remains firmly committed to strengthening its technical development programmes and ensuring continued progress in all areas of the game, in line with its reform and restructuring agenda. Further information regarding the transition process and interim technical arrangements will be communicated in due course.”

According to Transfermarkt, Nees oversaw 11 matches in the role, registering one victory, six draws, and four defeats.