Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees fired after one year in charge

The Zimbabwe Football Association have confirmed sacking national team coach Michael Nees following a poor run of results in the just-concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

A statement from the federation read in part: “The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to inform all stakeholders and members of the public that the Executive Committee has resolved to terminate the contract of Michael Nees with immediate effect.

Zimbabwe finished sixth during World Cup qualifiers

“The Association takes this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Nees for his efforts and contributions to Zimbabwean football during his tenure. His dedication to the game and service to national structures are greatly appreciated.

“ZIFA remains firmly committed to strengthening its technical development programmes and ensuring continued progress in all areas of the game, in line with its reform and restructuring agenda.

The statement added: “Further information regarding the transition process and interim technical arrangements will be communicated in due course.”

The 58-year-old  German led Zimbabwe in the African World Cup qualifiers where the Warriors came sixth in Group C to miss out on the qualification ticket. Out of 10 matches, Zimbabwe won none, drew five and lost five.

He only won two of 16 matches since taking charge last year, both against Namibia in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.