Michael Nees Responds to Claims That He Isn’t Selecting the Warriors Squad Himself
Warriors head coach Michael Nees has pushed back against rumours suggesting that he’s not the one selecting players for Zimbabwe’s upcoming international friendlies.
There has been growing speculation that outside influence, not merit, is shaping his squad, but Nees made it clear that the final decisions rest with him.
Michael Nees Responds to Claims That He Isn’t Selecting the Warriors Squad Himself
Speaking during a press briefing, Nees was blunt when asked whether he had personally selected the players for the upcoming matches against Burkina Faso on June 6 and Niger on June 10, both in Morocco.
He dismissed the idea that someone else is pulling the strings behind the scenes:
“Of course. Who do you think? You must say if you have another idea, put it forward. There’s nobody. Actually, I chose it together with my staff.”
The Morocco-bound team features a mix of experience and emerging talent. Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, enjoying fine form in South Africa, returns to the fold. Midfielder Jonah Fabisch, who last played for the national team four years ago, is also back, as is striker Tino Kadewere, now with Nantes in France.
Nees is also using the COSAFA Cup as a platform to build for the future, with most of the selected players eligible to play in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, which kick off next year.
Why Tavaziva Was Picked Over Local Options
The inclusion of Brentford B goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva raised eyebrows among journalists, with Yvonne Mangunda noting that if he were playing in the local Premier Soccer League, he probably wouldn’t have made the cut.
Nees defended his decision, saying there simply aren’t young local goalkeepers operating at Tavaziva’s level right now.
One reporter asked whether Darlington Murasiranwa of Ngezi Platinum Stars had been considered. Nees replied that while he’s aware of Murasiranwa, he still needs more observation before being considered for a senior call-up:
“I made my choice for the keepers. I think that keeper still needs to be observed more.”
“If Tavaziva Doesn’t Break Through, He’s Out”
Nees also acknowledged that Tavaziva’s current position is based on potential, but made it clear that potential alone won’t keep him in the squad.
He argued that Brentford’s backing of Tavaziva says a lot about the young keeper’s talent, but warned that if he doesn’t break into the first team soon, he’ll be dropped.
“He shows talent. The club keeps him. The Premier League club keeps him in their books. They wouldn’t keep him if they don’t believe in him, but he needs to break through very soon. If he doesn’t do it, he’ll not be in the team anymore. That’s for sure,” Nees said.
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