Warriors coach Michael Nees has urged Zimbabweans to be realistic as the team prepares to face Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier this afternoon at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nees admitted the road has been tough but called for unity and positivity as his side seeks its first win of the campaign.
‘Let’s be realistic’ says Nees
Speaking to reporters ahead of the September 9 clash, Nees stressed the need for perspective.
He said:
“Let’s pull together in one direction towards positivity. We should stop this scapegoat ritual and bad mouthing of individuals. It’s not a country, which won the African Cup of Nations three times” as per The Herald.
The Warriors have struggled throughout the qualifiers. They sit at the bottom of Group C with only four points after seven games. Their most recent 1-0 defeat to Benin left fans frustrated and the coach openly frustrated.
Nees reminded supporters that the task was always a difficult one.
He explained:
“Let’s be positive. It’s not that easy a business. Yes, we must go through realism where we are coming from and pull together in one direction towards a positive aspect.”
Qualification challenge inherited
The German coach emphasised that the qualification process was never straightforward, given he took over midway after two other coaches, Baltemar Brito and Jairos Tapera, had already overseen parts of the campaign.
He noted:
“This has always been a two-pronged project. We were chasing a World Cup appearance and also preparing for the Afcon. So, the Afcon is what is now there for us. We want to beat Rwanda tomorrow (today).”
The Warriors are already out of contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup, which the United States, Mexico and Canada will co-host. However, Nees insisted that the team must provide fair competition in their remaining matches.
“We must be fair competitors because others are still there with a chance as well. So, we must provide fair competition,” he added.
New faces in the line-up
Zimbabwe will be without key players including captain Marvelous Nakamba, Divine Lunga and Teenage Hadebe, all suspended. This opens the door for younger players such as Thando Ngwenya and Prosper Padera.
The Warriors will be looking to end their disappointing run with a positive showing against Rwanda, even if the broader World Cup dream has slipped away.
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The post “Zimbabweans Must Be Realistic, Its Not Easy” – Says Warriors Coach Michael Nees Ahead Of Rwanda Match In SA appeared first on iHarare News.
