
Michael Nees is the new Warriors Head Coach
Harare, 30 July 2024 – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Nees as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team. The 57-year-old German will lead the Warriors in their quest for success in the AFCON 2025 and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Michael Nees brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished background to the role. He holds a UEFA Pro Licence from Germany and an M.A. 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, Michael 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.
Michael 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.
“I am a modern and innovative coach who is driven by international challenges and who can think outside the box to gain a competitive advantage. Without a doubt, the Warriors always have great players and massive team potential, but they need to avoid being too predictable to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. I am confident in achieving these goals because I have the expertise to professionally enhance all major factors of performance and to make a difference within a short period. I will guide the national team with dedication and professionalism, and work to achieve a winning Zimbabwe that can make the nation proud,” said Michael Nees.
“ZIFA is confident that Michael Nees’s appointment will usher in a new era of success for the Warriors. His vast experience, combined with his innovative coaching style, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our national team to new heights,” said Chairman of the ZIFA Normalisation Committee, Lincoln Mutasa.
Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop Underway!
Harare, 31 July 2024 – The CAF Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop is underway in Harare. Its aim is to promote a safe stadium culture across Africa.
The workshop is being conducted by instructors from the Confederation of African Football, Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati from Egypt and Abdul Lukooya Sekabira from Uganda. Also in attendance is FIFA Senior Safety and Security Manager, Katharina Steinberg.
Participants in the workshop have been drawn from the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League, alongside security officers from the regions, making a total of 40 participants. This diverse group of attendees reflects the collaborative effort to improve safety standards in football stadiums nationwide.
The CAF Safety and Security Department, established on the 3rd of February 2019, has been pivotal in setting standards for safety and security operations across all member associations in Africa. In June 2024, the department conducted an online conference to introduce the Safe Stadium Initiative to all Member Associations’ General Secretaries and Presidents. During this launch, the commitment to train 40 individuals per member association was announced, reinforcing the department’s dedication to continuous education and training.
The department is committed to the ongoing training of CAF safety and security officers, National Safety and Security Officers, Club Safety and Security Officers, and all strategic stakeholders responsible for safety and security operations during CAF and Member Associations football competitions and tournaments. With this workshop, CAF is ready to provide crucial training to all interested Member Associations aiming to enhance stadium safety and security in their countries.
ZIFA has adopted a proactive approach to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of CAF safety and security regulations in Zimbabwe. This initiative aims to benefit all stakeholders associated with the game, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.
“Let us embrace the opportunity to learn, share, and implement best practices in stadium safety and security. Together, we can create an environment where football thrives, and where players, officials, and fans can enjoy the game with peace of mind.” – Lincoln Mutasa, NC Chairman