The Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] has fired Michael Nees over poor results, with PSL coach Kaitano Tembo tipped to lead The Warriors to the 2025 AFCON.
On Wednesday night, ZIFA announced that they had terminated Nees’ contract due to unsatisfactory performances by Zimbabwe. Though he helped The Warriors qualify for the 2025 AFCON, his record was simply disastrous.
Nees was appointed in July 2024 by the Normalisation Committee, which was tasked with restructuring Zimbabwe’s football following the FIFA ban.
During his tenure, Nees managed to record two wins in 16 matches, with seven draws and seven defeats. The two wins were in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Namibia.
TEMBO TIPPED TO LEAD ZIMBABWE TO 2025 AFCON
As Nees leaves, PSL coach Kaitano Tembo is the top candidate to assume the head coach post as The Warriors shift focus to the 2025 AFCON.
Tembo, a former SuperSport United and Sekhukhune United head coach, has been part of the Zimbabwe National Team setup for less than a month.
He served as an assistant coach during the last two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In addition, Tembo’s candidacy is strengthened by his experience and success in the PSL, making him an attractive option to take charge and lead Zimbabwe to AFCON.
He remains in contention, after one of the assistant coaches, Takesure Chiragwi, stepped aside as he is under investigation for slapping one of his club players prior to their clash with Bafana Bafana and Lesotho.
ZIFA’S STATEMENT ON MICHAEL NEES’ DEPARTURE
In a statement, ZIFA announced their decision to cut ties with Nees but did not indicate who would take over the post. However, FARPost understands that Tembo will be tasked with leading The Warriors to the 2025 AFCON, to be staged in Morocco.
“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 Mr Michael Nees with immediate effect,” reads the statement.
“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 his service to the national structures are appreciated.
“ZIFA remains firmly committed to strengthening its technical development programs and ensuring continued progress in all areas of the game in line with its reform and restructuring agenda.”
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