Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees has returned from his native Germany with his focus locked on Zimbabwe’s World Cup qualifiers, knowing well that the table standings are not pretty, but has a simple and stubborn message: Believe.
“I had to go back home, do some stuff with my family,” Nees told Zimpapers Sports Hub. “Remember, I might not have time for my family in the next six months. But I wasn’t completely switched off.
“I was watching games, the match between FC Platinum and Scottland I watched, also monitored some players from opposition teams like Benin.”
The Warriors resume their campaign against Benin in Cote d’Ivoire on September 5, then host Rwanda at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg four days later. Zimbabwe sit bottom of Group C on four points from six games.
South Africa lead the pack, though the mathematics could shift if Bafana Bafana are docked three points for fielding a suspended player against Lesotho in March.
Rwanda are on eight points; Nigeria have seven; and Lesotho have six, with a chance of moving to nine if they are awarded the South Africa result.
One team goes straight to the World Cup. Four of the best runners-up from all qualifying groups head to the CAF play-offs and then, possibly, take the inter-confederation route.
Nees will not lean into doom. He points to what is still on the table and what has already been secured.
“We must not panic, or be drawn back by negativism, or drama queens on social media,” he said.
“We are on the right path and I can assure you that we will have a very good team at the AFCON finals.”
Since taking charge, Nees has presided over 10 matches, including high-profile friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger.
His ledger shows two wins, six draws and two defeats, losses to Cameroon in Yaoundé and to Burkina Faso in Morocco in June.
He stresses trajectory rather than totals.
“Four World Cup games were played before me. I took over and we have two points in two matches,” he said.
“So, I look at the glass as half full, I am yet to taste defeat, it’s a difficult group.
“For me, it’s a marked improvement. We have also qualified for the AFCON finals.”
Four games remain in the World Cup qualifying group. Twelve points are in play. After Benin and Rwanda in September, Lesotho and South Africa come in October. Nees says his squad list for the two September qualifiers will drop within 12 days. There are selection wrinkles.
Wolves player Marshall Munetsi is suspended for Benin and only links up for Rwanda.
His clubmate Tawanda Chirewa is fit again after loan spells and back with Wolves.
Nees wants options.
“We used the June international break to test some players,” he said. “Some players were injured, but we managed to look at every player, also gave new players a chance to see if they could fit in. About 12 players were new.”
The coach has already cast the net wide.
“I have used about 35 players; if I cast the net wider, maybe it will increase to 40,” he said.
“I continue to watch the new players, but we must also not forget who made us qualify. It will be fair competition for jerseys.
“The calendar will be packed, there will be midweek fixtures here in Zimbabwe. You never know who will get injured.
“These new players will also need to get accustomed. In October, we have other games; there I can also see some other players.”
Names on the radar include Sean Fusire of Sheffield Wednesday and Germany-based Jonah Fabisch.
In areas where depth matters most, Nees sees healthy competition.
The engine room is anchored by Marvelous Nakamba, Andy Rinomhota and Munetsi when available, with pace and guile out wide from Tawanda Chirewa, Bill Antonio, Walter Musona and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Jordan Zemura can push higher, with Devine Lunga covering the left-back.
Teenage Hadebe, Munashe Garan’anga, Isheanesu Mauchi and Gerald Takwara offer size and experience in central defence.
Godknows Murwira and Emmanuel Jalai continue to trade the right back slot, while England-based Brendan Galloway’s return from injury adds another layer.
“The good thing is that players don’t forget how to play,” said Nees.
He will still lean on seasoned heads.
Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat remain part of his plan, not as nostalgia pieces, but as problem solvers.
“The team had a creative problem and we brought Khama back, Chirewa can play that role also, although he is yet to establish himself at club level,” said Nees.
“Munetsi and Jordan (Zemura) have moved up the level; Munetsi has improved massively.
“But, remember we have a double project, the World Cup qualifiers that I inherited. We had two points after four games before I came.
“Now we have two in two games. We must not throw in the towel, but we must not forget the AFCON finals.”
Goalkeeping once looked like a crisis. Nees calls it settled, or at least stable.
“When a keeper makes a mistake, you basically kill him,” he said. “But we have sorted it. We have Washington Arubi now. Of course, he made some few mistakes, but he is a very good goalkeeper.
“Martin Mapisa was good at COSAFA, Marley (Tavaziva) also got a chance and we also brought Elvis Chipezeze back.
“It’s looking good; we don’t know if we could qualify for the World Cup play-offs as a runner-up. South Africa might be docked three points, who knows.
“Nonetheless, South Africa and Nigeria are very strong teams. I count them in the top six in Africa, not a FIFA ranking, but in terms of quality.
“Benin are stubborn opponents; they have a strong number nine who scored for Augsburg last week.
“Rwanda are in a good position. Lesotho, if they get the three points, they are in the mix; they will move to nine points. So, let’s see what happens.
“We just have to take it step by step; let’s not get ahead of ourselves; let’s keep believing and united.”
