Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees expects his players to perform in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and make a statement for them to be included in the squad for the AFCON finals at the end of the year.
For now, all the Warriors’ focus will be on mending a World Cup campaign that got off to a horrible start with Nees now set to be the third coach set to take charge of the campaign.
The German coach will tomorrow name his squad for fixtures against Benin in South Africa and Nigeria in Uyo.
Nees took over a Warriors side, sitting at the foot of the six-team Group C with only two points secured by Brazilian coach Baltemar Brito in draws against Rwanda and Nigeria in Huye.
“The AFCON is only nine months away and the preparation basically starts immediately. Every game counts for the players,” said Nees.
“The World Cup qualification will be a hybrid project where we are chasing qualification as well as preparing for the AFCON finals.
“Players can recommend themselves for the AFCON. The competition is open, so they want to be there.
“And so, on one hand, it’s a preparation for the AFCON finals while on the other hand, it’s the qualification for the World Cup, as well.”
Nees also underscored the importance of both the World Cup qualifiers and the AFCON, where there is no room for trying to nurture talent.
“It’s not a development thing, we have to perform.
“It’s a very tight group, there are still six games to go and 18 points to play for. The group is not decided yet for any team, that’s it, the team in first place can easily go down.
“We have got to rise up. And, even if the group was decided, every team has the responsibility to compete until the final game with the best and maximum effort, because you need to ensure fair competition.
“He said they have already analysed both Benin and Nigeria.
“The next task on hand is a difficult game against Benin. Benin beat Nigeria. Benin played a draw against Nigeria. Benin qualified for the AFCON.
“Also, they have a very experienced coach, Gernot Rohr, who I know since 30 years, and he comes from my country.
“We are close friends, you could say. But friendship will not play a role in this 90 plus minutes.”
