The Zimbabwean Football Association (ZIFA) announced the termination of senior national team coach Michael Nees’s contract just two months before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday .
The German took over the Warriors in September last year and struggled to bring results, with his record reading just two victories in 16 matches – the two wins coming during the AFCON qualifiers against Namibia.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Zimbabwe finished last in qualifying Group C, having not won a single match, with five draws and five defeats.
In their statement ZIFA thanked the coach for his contributions during his tenure. Meanwhile reports have linked former SuperSport United and Sekhukhune United coach Kaitano Tembo as the man to take over from Nees after he already worked as assistant in the previous international break.
“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,” ZIFA stated.
“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 his service to the national structures are appreciated.
“ZIFA remains firmly committed to strengthening its technical development programs 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.”
Nees’ sacking comes exactly two months before the Warriors’ AFCON opener against Egypt on 22 December. Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group B alongside, Egypt, Bafana and Angola.
