Chronicle Editor
The Zimbabwe national team returned to the international arena after being banned by FIFA in February 2022. Then the organization had concerns about the country’s football federation due to the state interference in the affairs of the football association, which is strictly prohibited by the international governing body. Athletes in Kenya suffered from the same actions, and they were also able to restore their membership in the FIFA and continue to participate in the competitions, having already played several games in the World Cup qualifiers. The qualification matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) of the Zimbabwe national team are just ahead, but there isn’t much time left – the games will be held in September. Football fans and connoisseurs will certainly want to try to predict the result, and for this they will need the best , conveniently compiled into a list by the editors of Telecom Asia Sport at the link. Let’s see what awaits the national team in these games and what kind of opponents the draw has prepared for it.
The new manager: is the lack of gaming experience a problem?
At the end of July, the national team found out the name of the new coach – a 57-year-old specialist from Germany, Michael Nees. Despite a short football career, he has extensive experience as a manager and sports technical director. For coaches, a lack of playing experience is not an obstacle to win trophies when they start managing a team. It is worth remembering the case of the Portuguese specialist Jose Mourinho, who played only 94 matches in his entire career. After that, “The Special One” managed to become the first coach who collected Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League titles in club football.
Michael Nees’s candidacy has convinced all Zimbabwe’s football executives, including Lincoln Mutasa, ZIFA Chairman of the Normalisation Committee. He expressed confidence in the German specialist and linked his appointment with the advent of a new era in the history of Warriors. Mutasa also expects that the new coach will be able to apply his experience and instill a playing style in the team.
Previously, Nees worked as a head coach for the Seychelles, Rwanda and Kosovo U21 national teams, and in the latter team he also collaborated with the adult team as a technical director for a long period of time. In the same role or at the technical advisor position, he has been operating in the Japan, South Africa and Israel federations throughout his long career and is ready for a new challenge.
Nearest rivals: who can cause trouble?
On September 4, Zimbabwe kicks off the qualifying round of the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations with a match away against Kenya, which is also just recovering from a ban. Over the past five matches, The Harambee Stars have managed to win only two games and in both they have won 2-0. Kenya succeeded against Zambia and, unfortunately for the Warriors fans, one of the opponents was the Zimbabwe national team. In the remaining games, The Harambee Stars was defeated by Comoros, and in two others with Burundi and Ivory Coast there was a draw.
Later, on September 10, Zimbabwe will have to be tested at home by the Cameroon national team, whose results in 2024 clearly do not please the fans. In 6 official games, the Indomitable Lions were able to win only twice: one victory in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage over the Gambia with 2-3 score was enough to reach 1/8 of the tournament. However, there they met Nigeria, which lost only to the winner of the tournament, Ivory Coast. Later Cameroon earned 3 points in the World Cup qualifying tournament in June by winning against Cape Verde 4-1. However, lost two a couple days later, drawing 1-1 with Angola.
What’s next for Zimbabwe?
With the potential return of the leader in the midfield Marvelous Nakamba after the injury, who has shown himself amazingly in Leeds United, a new coach who can bring a fresh look and attitude, as well as not the best shape of the opponents, we can optimistically expect matches in September. Besides, why else would you watch football if not to cheer and support the team? Come on, Warriors!
Online Reporter