Head coach of the Warriors of Zimbabwe, Michael Nees, has called on his players to approach their World Cup qualifier against South Africa with courage, determination, and national pride.
Speaking ahead of the Southern African derby in Johannesburg, Nees emphasized that his team must not be intimidated by the occasion, reminding them that they still have a role to play in shaping the group’s final standings.
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“This is more than just another match,” Nees said. “It’s a chance for Zimbabwe to show character and resilience. We owe it to our fans, our government, and our football federation to give everything. We may not control the group outcome, but we can control how we fight.”
Zimbabwe’s campaign has been a mixed one, marked by promising moments and missed opportunities. But Nees remains upbeat, insisting that his players have learned valuable lessons throughout the qualifiers.
“It’s been a long journey,” he continued. “We’ve grown stronger as a team, even through tough results. Now it’s time to put all that experience to use. Every player must step up — no excuses.”
The German tactician also addressed the competitive balance in the group, noting that up to four teams still have a mathematical chance of qualifying. However, he warned against focusing on permutations and urged his players to stay mentally sharp.
“We cannot look at the table too much,” he said. “We must focus on our own performance. The target is to play good football and show that Zimbabwe can compete with the best. Win or lose, we should walk away proud.”
The Warriors will face Bafana Bafana at the FNB Stadium, with Nees promising a spirited display from his side in front of a passionate crowd.
