Clive Thabo Dube
JULY last year when the world football governing body FIFA lifted ZIFA suspension, many hoped for a new era in Zimbabwean football, but alas, the Normalization Committee (NC) which was put in place to normalise the most loved sport in the World became abnormal.
For most part of its tenure the Normalization Committee has shown ignorance and lack of knowledge in running Zimbabwe’s football affairs.
When the Warriors failed in the World Cup qualifiers it because the Coach was hired a few days to the tournament, no one knows who selected the team, the same team only assembled in South Africa, were the tournament was held albeit without a coach.
Recently at Parliament, a member of the ZIFA Normalization Committee was asked of her experience in football and her response was 11 July 2023, the day she was selected to be a member of this committee.
There was an outcry from the football die hards at this shoddy way affairs had been conducted by this committee, especially the hiring of a substantive coach since the international ban was lifted.
Hiring a coach should have been a priority.
Now that the hunt for the Warriors head coach has been on the table for the longest time, ZIFA has focused on foreign coaches, an erroneous benefiting the “British Brigade”, shutting the door on locals and failing to invest on sporting facilities.
This seemingly bizarre sheer ignorance continues and the revival of the once Southern African football powerhouse is now in the hands of an unknown German gaffer Michael Ness.
The 57-year-old who has little knowledge of African football will be tasked to lead the Zimbabwe men’s national team in the AFCON 2025 and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Micheal Ness holds a UEFA Pro Licence and his international football background is known for youth development and advisory roles in various national teams. And he has promised to lauch a new version of the Warriors.
“I am a modern and innovative coach who is driven by international challenges and who can think outside the box to gain a competitive advantage,” he said.
“Without a doubt, the Warriors always have great players and massive team potential, but they need to avoid being too predictable to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations.
“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. I will guide the national team with dedication and professionalism, and work to achieve a winning Zimbabwe that can make the nation proud,” added Michael Nees.
In a statement, ZIFA expressed excitement in the appointment of Nees as the new head coach.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Nees as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team,” said ZIFA in a statement.
Chairman of the ZIFA Normalisation Committee, Lincoln Mutasa said,
“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”.
Here are some of the teams and roles he has held:
Seychelles National Team – Head Coach (2003-2004)
Rwanda National Team – Head Coach (2006-2007)
South Africa – Technical Advisor (2008-2009)
Israel U21 – Head Coach (2013-2015)
Kosovo U21 – Head Coach (2021-2022)
Kosovo National Team – Technical Director
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