Warriors Coach Calls for Realism Ahead of Zimbabwe vs Rwanda Clash
Warriors head coach Michael Nees has urged Zimbabwean supporters to keep their expectations in check as the national side continues its troubled run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Speaking in Johannesburg on Monday, 8 September, the German coach addressed the media ahead of Zimbabwe’s Group C fixture against Rwanda at Orlando Stadium.
Zimbabwe remain at the foot of the group after collecting just four points from seven matches, with no wins so far in the campaign. Since taking charge, Nees has overseen 14 games and recorded only two victories, both against Namibia.
Nees took a moment to remind supporters of Zimbabwe’s football history, noting that the team has yet to reach a World Cup or claim an Africa Cup of Nations title. He said criticism had become excessive and called for unity as the Warriors shift their focus toward the upcoming AFCON finals in December.
“We qualified for AFCON when no youth, women’s, or club team had managed to reach an international competition recently,” Nees said. “We need to start viewing things with a sense of perspective. Zimbabwe has not won AFCON or appeared at the World Cup, so we must build from where we are and stay together.”
The coach also highlighted the impact of ongoing negativity from both fans and the media, insisting it was unfair to single out individuals for blame. Instead, he appealed for collective support to boost the team’s confidence ahead of the continental tournament.
The Warriors meet Rwanda on Tuesday, 9 September, in Johannesburg before wrapping up their remaining Group C matches in November.
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