‘No sympathy’: Former Warriors star calls for Michael Nees’ head

Zimbabwe’s national football team, the Warriors, has endured a frustrating spell on the international stage. The team’s recent performances have fallen far below expectations. Under coach Michael Nees, the Warriors managed only two wins in fifteen games. This poor record saw Zimbabwe finish bottom of their World Cup qualification group, leaving fans deeply disappointed.

Many supporters believe the team lacks direction and energy. Confidence has dipped both on and off the field, and patience is wearing thin. Consequently, frustration among fans and former players continues to grow as Zimbabwe’s football pride fades further away.

Warriors Michael Nees head — Warriors. Image via Facebook @footballzim

Former Warriors Star Calls for Michael Nees’ Head

Former Warriors winger Gabriel Nyoni has openly called for the sacking of coach Michael Nees. Writing on Facebook, Nyoni criticised the double standards in local football. He argued that a Zimbabwean coach with similar results would have been dismissed long ago. Nyoni cited respected figures like Sunday Chidzambwa and Callisto Pasuwa, who were shown little patience despite their achievements.

He accused Zimbabweans of holding a colonial mentality that favours foreign coaches. Nyoni stressed that respect must be earned through results, not nationality. However, he urged fans to unite behind the players ahead of AFCON. Despite his criticism, Nyoni’s message ended patriotically, calling for pride, unity, and a renewed sense of national identity.

Zimbabweans react

After the former Warriors star Gabriel Nyoni called for Michael Nees’s head, he divided fans.

@Happymore Heart “As long it’s Knees who will be in charge of the Warriors when we heard to Afcon in December, trust me we will exit the competition after two group games.”

@Zibbs Zitha Moyo “well said but we support the man of the day because once they decide to keep him we have no choice but back him up .”

@Philani Mabhena “Senegal trusted its local coach over a longterm project and they won it”

@Hayiya Masuku “It’s not about coaches but how we run football in Zimbabwe,from infrastructure to sponsorship”

@Themba Sibanda “I believe yòu were playing football. If you look at the game a team is organised only striking force we are still struggling with. I believe is far better than what Norman mapenza was doing.”