Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE local football fraternity feels new warriors coach Michael Nees has the potential to take the national team to greater heights only if he gets support from all involved in football.
The German Nees, was unveiled as Warriors coach last week and was quick to point out that he would not allow outsiders and agents to have an influence in the team, a statement that has been welcomed by the football family.
Former Warriors striker Zenzo Moyo says the coach’s challenge could be starting afresh as has always been the case.
He said the nation would have to be patient with him.
“I think our major problem is always starting afresh. My hope is that with this new coach, we give him a chance to do his job. We have to be patient with the coach if we are to get any results from him,” said Moyo.
Reigning Southern Region coach of the year Kudzayi Mhandire concurred with Moyo.
“My plea is to the public. Key to the coach success is to have people not interfering with his job especially when it comes to team selection. Players and even his assistants must be chosen on merit.
“The problem is people who want to have influence in the team. But the coach needs to make his decisions,” said Mhandire.
Veteran coach Farai Tawachera also weighed in on the matter: “I think we need to allow him to do his job. As long as there is no outside interference he will succeed. I have no doubt he will do a great job. He is certain to benefit local football, we will also learn a lot from him.”
Nees holds an Uefa Pro Licence from Germany and an MA degree in Sports Science, Performance Physiology, and Ethnology from the prestigious University of Heidelberg.
Additionally, he has acquired a coaching qualification in “Life Kinetik,” a unique training methodology introduced to football by former Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp.
Over the past 25 years, Nees has held elite coaching and technical leadership positions across Caf, Uefa, and AFC.
He has guided various national teams in over 200 international matches.
Notably, in 2005 and 2006, he was part of the support staff for the England national team during the Fifa World Cup 2006 in Germany, under the auspices of Fifa.
Nees’s extensive experience includes serving as the Head Coach of the Rwanda Senior Men’s National Team and the Director of Coaching and Education at the South African Football Association (Safa).
His deep knowledge of the African football landscape and his innovative approach are expected to provide a significant advantage in the upcoming Afcon qualification campaign.
Online Reporter