Zimbabwe coach Nees: “We wanted to increase the depth in the squad”

Zimbabwe national team coach Michael Nees has warned Warriors players that it will be difficult to earn selection due to stiff competition for places.

The German told the Zimbabwe Football Association media that the Warriors’ trip to Morocco for friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger had given him more depth after trying many new players.

“Everybody must pull up their socks next month. To be in the squad, it will be tougher,” he said.

With a record of just two wins in 10 games since taking over the Warriors’ job, the 57-year-old admitted that he took a big gamble by travelling without inexperienced and young players to North Africa for the friendlies.

“One thing for sure is that I cannot experiment anymore. It was a big risk for me, and it was a big risk for the federation, but we discussed that we wanted to increase the depth in the squad. This June period is the only window we can do that,” Nees explained.

During the friendlies in Morocco, the Zimbabweans drew 1-1 with Niger on Tuesday two days after losing 2-0 to Burkina Faso. The teams are preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The German traveled to Morocco without regulars Marshall Munetsi, Knowledge Musona, Divine Lunga, Marvelous Nakamba, and Jordan Zemura due to injuries and club commitments, among other reasons.

The notable experienced players in the Warriors’ squad were Terrence Dzvukamanja, Teenage Hadebe, Tino Kadewere, Khama Billiat, and Walter Musona. Nees gave game time to up-and-coming players such as Marley Tavaziva, Jonah Fabisch, and Bill Antonio.