The popular ghetto lingo ‘Maikoro NdiMambo’ (Michael is King), often associated with fast-rising Zim Dancehall chanter Hulengende, resonates well with many Zimbabweans who love the genre.
But to some football stakeholders in Zimbabwe, kingship and Michael could not be put in the same sentence.
German mentor Michael Nees’ tenure as Warriors coach finally ended on Wednesday night, as the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced it has parted company with the German expatriate.
Nees, who took over the reins on July 30, 2024, oversaw a successful AFCON qualifying campaign which saw the Warriors book their sixth appearance at the continental showpiece.
Despite the successful AFCON qualifying campaign, Nees’ record as Warriors coach was not really the best, statistically.
He won only two of his 16 matches at the helm of the country’s senior men’s national team.
Under Nees, the Warriors only beat one opponent- Namibia, a record which saw ZIFA somewhat succumbing to public pressure and wielding the axe on the former Seychelles coach.
“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,” ZIFA said in a 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.
“Further information regarding the transition process and interim
technical arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
