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Nees optimistic about Zimbabwe Warriors' World Cup hopes
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German coach Michael Nees believes the Zimbabwe Warriors can still revive their chances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite a rocky start to the campaign. The team has faced managerial changes and disappointing results so far, but Nees is hopeful that the Warriors can rise from the ashes.
The Warriors' World Cup journey has been marked by turbulence, with the coaching role changing hands multiple times in the opening four matches. Under former Highlanders coach Baltermar Brito, Zimbabwe played to two hard-fought draws, first against Rwanda and then against Nigeria, both matches held in Rwanda. However, after Brito's departure, Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera took over but struggled, suffering two defeats to Lesotho and South Africa, with Zimbabwe falling 2-0 to Lesotho and 3-1 to Bafana Bafana. Both games were held in South Africa due to Zimbabwe's lack of a CAF-approved stadium.
Despite these setbacks, Nees has injected fresh hope into the Warriors after guiding them to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. His leadership has been welcomed by Zimbabwean football fans, who are now looking to him to steer the team back on course for the World Cup.
"The group has not been decided yet, and we have to see this as a new project. We have to try everything and hope to turn it around," Nees said. "We will also have to use these qualifiers as preparations for the 2025 AFCON, so I would say it is a double project."
Currently, Zimbabwe sits at the bottom of Group C in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with just two points. South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin are tied at the top with 7 points, while Lesotho holds 5 points and Nigeria has 3. Despite their position, Nees remains optimistic that the Warriors can still turn things around and qualify for the next global tournament.
In positive news for the Warriors, captain Marvelous Nakamba is returning to form after playing a full 90 minutes for Luton Town in their 2-0 win over Hull City, marking his first full match in 14 months. Nakamba, who had been sidelined due to injury after playing for Zimbabwe in November last year, expressed his delight at being back to full fitness.
"It was a fantastic feeling. It was good to be back with the boys in the national team, and also to qualify for the Nations Cup; it was great for the country," Nakamba said. "Of course, it really helped me playing a full 90 minutes with the national team, and coming back here also to give everything and play my first 90 minutes in a long time."
Nakamba credited his improved fitness to his hard work with Luton's physical coaches, who have been instrumental in his recovery. "They've been keeping me working hard in training, following the programme, everything. They have been there for me since day one," he added.
With Nees leading the charge and key players like Nakamba finding their rhythm, Zimbabwe's World Cup hopes are far from over. The Warriors will need to regroup quickly, with crucial matches ahead, as they aim to revive their chances in the 2026 qualifiers.
The Warriors' World Cup journey has been marked by turbulence, with the coaching role changing hands multiple times in the opening four matches. Under former Highlanders coach Baltermar Brito, Zimbabwe played to two hard-fought draws, first against Rwanda and then against Nigeria, both matches held in Rwanda. However, after Brito's departure, Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera took over but struggled, suffering two defeats to Lesotho and South Africa, with Zimbabwe falling 2-0 to Lesotho and 3-1 to Bafana Bafana. Both games were held in South Africa due to Zimbabwe's lack of a CAF-approved stadium.
Despite these setbacks, Nees has injected fresh hope into the Warriors after guiding them to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. His leadership has been welcomed by Zimbabwean football fans, who are now looking to him to steer the team back on course for the World Cup.
"The group has not been decided yet, and we have to see this as a new project. We have to try everything and hope to turn it around," Nees said. "We will also have to use these qualifiers as preparations for the 2025 AFCON, so I would say it is a double project."
Currently, Zimbabwe sits at the bottom of Group C in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with just two points. South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin are tied at the top with 7 points, while Lesotho holds 5 points and Nigeria has 3. Despite their position, Nees remains optimistic that the Warriors can still turn things around and qualify for the next global tournament.
In positive news for the Warriors, captain Marvelous Nakamba is returning to form after playing a full 90 minutes for Luton Town in their 2-0 win over Hull City, marking his first full match in 14 months. Nakamba, who had been sidelined due to injury after playing for Zimbabwe in November last year, expressed his delight at being back to full fitness.
"It was a fantastic feeling. It was good to be back with the boys in the national team, and also to qualify for the Nations Cup; it was great for the country," Nakamba said. "Of course, it really helped me playing a full 90 minutes with the national team, and coming back here also to give everything and play my first 90 minutes in a long time."
Nakamba credited his improved fitness to his hard work with Luton's physical coaches, who have been instrumental in his recovery. "They've been keeping me working hard in training, following the programme, everything. They have been there for me since day one," he added.
With Nees leading the charge and key players like Nakamba finding their rhythm, Zimbabwe's World Cup hopes are far from over. The Warriors will need to regroup quickly, with crucial matches ahead, as they aim to revive their chances in the 2026 qualifiers.
Source - newsday
