Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
THE dismissal of Warriors coach Michael Nees on Wednesday night has reignited optimism among fans ahead of the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco in December.
Nees was sacked after a string of poor results, managing only two wins in 16 matches, including friendly internationals, across all competitions.
His disappointing record had dampened the spirits of many Warriors supporters, with some suggesting that the team would merely be participating in Morocco to make up the numbers.
Zimbabwe will face Egypt on December 21, before taking on Angola five days later and then South Africa on December 29.
Following his sacking, hope has been restored among the fans, with a section of the supporters now believing that, with the right coach, the Warriors have a chance to progress beyond the group stages for the first time.
Warriors fans have been reacting to the dismissal of Nees.
Here are some of their views:
“I just want to wish coach Michael Nees well in his coaching journey and thank him for taking Zimbabwe to AFCON Morocco 2025. Now, it’s time for the incoming coach to take us beyond the group stages because the results have not been forthcoming. I believe we can achieve this feat this time around because we have a very strong squad.” – Francis Kaowa
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“Sacking Michael Nees was long overdue. It was a mistake to continue with him after the Normalisation Committee. I believe whoever replaces him will do better and can lead us past the group stages for the first time.” – Adomsi Mukosi.
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“I think it’s a step in the right direction. That decision serves the best interests of the game. Nees had enough time to do things the right way but he couldn’t. Our hopes are now pinned on the next coach. With him, we want to reach the knockout stages.” – Chris ‘Romario’ Musekiwa.
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“As you’ve heard from Romario, I have nothing much to add — this is exactly what we want as fans.” – Richard ‘CheMhofela’ Sande.
Mathew Masinge