Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees credits teamwork and adaptability for AFCON qualification

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has attributed the Warriors’ successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to the team’s adaptability and determined approach during the campaign.

Speaking to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on their official Facebook page, Nees reflected on the challenges he faced in his debut season as coach, emphasizing the players’ rapid adjustment to his coaching philosophy.

“I think we can be satisfied with the campaign,” Nees stated.

“We qualified with one game to spare, and when you look at how we started – actually, I arrived very late – it was a challenge. I had to open myself up to work with staff I had never worked with before, and they had to do the same with me.”

The German tactician highlighted the competitive nature of Group J, which included Cameroon, Kenya, and Namibia.

“The group was very competitive,” he noted.

“Honestly, if we had been a little bit complacent, we could have failed.”

Nees praised his players for their willingness to compete against giants like Cameroon and play with freedom.

He welcomed the year-long break before the tournament in Morocco, saying;

“Team development takes time. The qualification gives us time to plan, improve, and be in shape when the tournament comes next year.”

Zimbabwe secured their AFCON ticket with a crucial draw against Kenya, ending their campaign in second place after a narrow loss to Cameroon.