Opinion / Columnist
Nees' Afcon dream is on its knees
2 hrs ago |
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The future of Michael Nees as head coach of the Zimbabwe Warriors has dominated football discussions following the team's surprising 1-0 defeat to Lesotho. The loss has intensified debate among fans and analysts over whether Nees should continue in charge ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Opinions are sharply divided. While some supporters believe Nees still has a role to play, the majority are calling for his immediate dismissal, arguing that retaining him risks Zimbabwe losing all its group matches at Afcon 2025. The Warriors face a challenging group alongside Angola, Egypt, and South Africa, with the top two teams qualifying automatically for the second round. Critics argue that under Nees' leadership, even securing a single point is uncertain.
The debate around Nees' tenure predates the Lesotho loss, with some fans claiming he has failed to rejuvenate the team since his appointment. His record under review since January 25 - when the ZIFA board took over from the normalisation committee - shows six matches played, three draws, and three defeats, with no wins. Concerns have also been raised over his player management, with reports suggesting the squad has split into factions. Nees currently earns US$10,000 a month.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi confirmed that the board is reviewing Nees' performance. While earlier statements had sought to quell speculation, the Lesotho defeat appears to have intensified pressure for action.
Football pundits have proposed alternatives should ZIFA decide to part ways with Nees. Some suggest reappointing former coach Baltemar Brito, who is familiar with the players and the local environment. Others point to Klaus-Dieter Pagels, the German coach who popularised the Warriors' "tik-taka" style and guided the team to qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games.
However, a section of supporters argues that replacing Nees so close to Afcon may be risky. They note, however, that previous teams, including Zdravko Logarusic's squad, have made coaching changes shortly before major tournaments and still performed well.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Magwizi and the ZIFA board. Fans, though, remain vocal, with many believing that Zimbabwe's chances at Afcon 2025 are already compromised under Nees' leadership, and that a change may be necessary to salvage the team's campaign.
Opinions are sharply divided. While some supporters believe Nees still has a role to play, the majority are calling for his immediate dismissal, arguing that retaining him risks Zimbabwe losing all its group matches at Afcon 2025. The Warriors face a challenging group alongside Angola, Egypt, and South Africa, with the top two teams qualifying automatically for the second round. Critics argue that under Nees' leadership, even securing a single point is uncertain.
The debate around Nees' tenure predates the Lesotho loss, with some fans claiming he has failed to rejuvenate the team since his appointment. His record under review since January 25 - when the ZIFA board took over from the normalisation committee - shows six matches played, three draws, and three defeats, with no wins. Concerns have also been raised over his player management, with reports suggesting the squad has split into factions. Nees currently earns US$10,000 a month.
Football pundits have proposed alternatives should ZIFA decide to part ways with Nees. Some suggest reappointing former coach Baltemar Brito, who is familiar with the players and the local environment. Others point to Klaus-Dieter Pagels, the German coach who popularised the Warriors' "tik-taka" style and guided the team to qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games.
However, a section of supporters argues that replacing Nees so close to Afcon may be risky. They note, however, that previous teams, including Zdravko Logarusic's squad, have made coaching changes shortly before major tournaments and still performed well.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Magwizi and the ZIFA board. Fans, though, remain vocal, with many believing that Zimbabwe's chances at Afcon 2025 are already compromised under Nees' leadership, and that a change may be necessary to salvage the team's campaign.
Source - The Standad
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