Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees has explained why he opted to hire Kaitano Tembo as his assistant for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bafana Bafana and Lesotho.
The Warriors come up against South Africa at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, before their last Group C clash with Likuena at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday. Zimbabwe anchor the table with no win and have managed just four draws in eight games.
While Friday’s match is a must-win for Bafana, their neighbours are using this game as preparation for the 2025 AFCON finals. But they are a potential banana peel that could cause a costly slip-up in Hugo Broos’ side World Cup bid.
Nees arrived in Durban without his assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi who stepped down from his role after assaulting a player at his club Ngezi Platinum in Zimbabwe. That saw Sekhukhune United FC reserve team coach Tembo being invited to understudy the German. Interestingly, Nees went for someone who has spent close to three decades working in South Africa as a player and coach.
‘TEMBO KNOWS BAFANA IN AND OUT’ – WILL THAT COUNT?
“Yes, I brought Kaitano in. Actually, the plan goes back to last year when I started,” said Nees.
“But he was starting at his club in a position called ‘senior coach,’ he didn’t get a release 100% for the FIFA qualifications. It would have been a little bit of a challenge for him. We stayed in contact, but it was clear between the two of us that against South Africa, this is going to be a hot topic later in the year.
“Then you must just find the right timing. I think [now] it was the right timing when I proposed that ahead of the AFCON and also ahead of this match, we play South Africa twice in a space of months. He knows South Africa in and out. I think he has lived here for 27 years.”
Zimbabwe also have a number of players plying their trade in the Betway Premiership, while others used to play PSL football. The likes of Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Wolverhampton Wanderers utility player Marshall Munetsi and Teenage Munetsi are very familiar with Bafana players.
“But never mind, we have 14 players who have previously played or are in South Africa. Kaitano and then there’s me also, who worked for four years in the South African Football Association,” the German tactician went on.
“So, we have a good inside. Kaitano, apart from the special knowledge he has about South Africa, he brings another dimension, an experienced coach, well respected also as a player and loyal person.
“I have known Kaitano since 2003, we have played each other, me as a coach and him as a Warriors player. He was also in my coaching courses during my time when I was with SAFA and we stayed in contact.”
RELATED NEWS: ‘We don’t have to panic’: Tovey pep talks Bafana