Michael Nees Out of 2025 COSAFA Cup, ZIFA Hunts for Interim Coach
With the COSAFA Cup just around the corner, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is scrambling to appoint an interim coach to guide the Warriors through what’s already being called the “Group of Death.”
Why is Michael Nees Out of the 2025 COSAFA Cup?
Current Warriors head coach Michael Nees and his assistant, Takesure Chiragwi, will not be available for the regional tournament. The duo will instead travel with the senior national team to Morocco, where Zimbabwe will play two international friendlies against Niger and Burkina Faso.
ZIFA is now actively searching for a stand-in coach. One possible option is Jairos Tapera, who took on the interim role during last year’s COSAFA Cup.
Also read: Warriors Coach Michael Nees Advises Khama Billiat on Key Factors to Consider for His Next Club Move
Could Tapera Return After Last Year’s Heartbreak?
Under Tapera, Zimbabwe started strong and led their group going into the final match. But their campaign ended in disappointment after a 2–0 defeat to Kenya, which saw the Warriors crash out of the tournament dramatically.
It was a bitter pill to swallow: Zimbabwe had entered the match as Group B leaders with six points and only needed a draw to reach the semifinals. But they failed to rise to the occasion, conceding two second-half goals and finishing level on points with Kenya and Comoros. Comoros advanced due to a superior head-to-head record.
Tough COSAFA Draw for Warriors in 2025
This year’s COSAFA draw, held on Wednesday, didn’t do Zimbabwe any favours. The Warriors were placed in Group A, alongside tournament hosts South Africa, fierce neighbours Mozambique, and underdogs Mauritius.
Given the strength of the group, it’s already being dubbed the “Group of Death.” And with a coach yet to be appointed, Zimbabwe faces an uphill battle from the start.
Though it isn’t as high-stakes as a World Cup qualifier, the COSAFA Cup remains important. It’s a chance for Zimbabwe to test new combinations, give fringe players game time, and build momentum ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign later this year.
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Group A: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Mauritius
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Group B: Angola (defending champions), Namibia, Malawi, Lesotho
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Group C: Morocco (2022 World Cup semi-finalists), Eswatini, Madagascar
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Group D: Zambia (seven-time champions), Comoros, Botswana
The 2025 COSAFA Cup will take place from June 4 to June 15 in South Africa’s Free State province. The format stays the same: four groups, and only the winners of each group move on to the semi-finals.
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