The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has sacked their senior national team head coach, Michael Nees, following a poor FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The decision comes after the Warriors finished bottom of Group C, with no win in 10 games, managing five draws and suffering five defeats.

“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,” stated ZIFA.

“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.”

The German was appointed just over a year ago; during his 16 matches in charge, he won only two games, both against Namibia in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Nees’s contract was due to expire in December, but with the AFCON looming large, ZIFA has decided it’s time to try new ideas, ahead of the tournament starting in December.

“ZIFA remains firmly committed to strengthening its technical development programmes 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,” added ZIFA.