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Tadious Manyepo, Sports Reporter
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees is keen to take Zimbabwe’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign back on track.
The German gaffer, who has established a strong reputation in this country after leading the Warriors to the AFCON finals, has some work cut out for him as he restarts a World Cup project he wasn’t part of at the very beginning.
Zimbabwe host Benin, far away from home, at the Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban, South Africa on Thursday before they travel to Uyo, Nigeria where they will face the Super Eagles next week.
It’s two critical fixtures, coming within five days of each other, which can make or break Zimbabwe’s quest for a maiden appearance at a World Cup final tournament.
The Warriors are sitting right at the foot of the table with just two points, five behind leaders Rwanda after four games.
With five matches still to be played, Nees knows Zimbabwe can change their own narrative if they manage to pick positive results.
Nees wasn’t part of the setup in the first four fixtures when Zimbabwe lost twice to Lesotho and South Africa while drawing as many times against Rwanda and Nigeria.
“We have to restart that World Cup qualification in a positive way.
“We want to do that, to get the positive mood going, and to do everything in our power. Power to turn the table a little bit around, turn the page and to move up,” said Nees.
“That’s our approach. And now we have to look at what is the next task at hand. The next task at hand is a difficult game against Benin (on Thursday).
“Benin beat Nigeria. Benin played a draw against Nigeria. Benin qualified for the AFCON. Also, they have a very experienced coach Gernot Rohr.
“Benin have very good players including Steve Mounié who plays for Augsburg in Germany.
“He is very strong, similar, just like Olunga from Kenya. He is a strong Number 9, very physically strong, typically very strong in set pieces.”
Nees’ local contingent arrived in Durban on Sunday and late yesterday, together with South Africa-based players and Gerald Takwara had their first training session.
The team is taking shape with Tawanda Chirewa, Andy Rinomhota, Marley Tavaziva, Jordan Zemura, Tawanda Maswanhise, Knowledge Musona, Marshall Munetsi all arriving yesterday.
But they could not immediately go full throttle at training and instead undertook some light work at the gym.
Defender Munashe Garananga is expected to arrive this morning and Nees will have a full complement of the team at this afternoon’s training session.
Online Reporter