TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025: Know the Coach: Michael Nees (Zimbabwe)

Fact File

Name: Michael Nees

Place of birth: Germany

Age: 57

Current Team: Zimbabwe

Tenure: 2024

German-born coach, Michael Nees leads Zimbabwe’s TotalEnergies CAF Morocco 2025 AFCON campaign.

A former footballer himself who turned Technical Director before assuming a coaching role, Nees is not new to African football, having coached Seychelles, Rwanda and once Technical Advisor to South Africa.

The 57-year-old coach was appointed head coach of the Warriors this year (2024) and has hit the ground running with qualification to Morocco and chasing an elusive FIFA World Cup debut.

Career Highlights

Nees’ coaching career officially began in 2003 when he assumed a coaching role for the Seychelles national team after honing his skills as Technical Advisor to Japan during 2001.

Before his coaching career, the German-born coach played his football with Karlsruher, SG Oftersheim and ASV Durlach all in Germany.

Post his stint with Seychelles, the German-born coach was appointed head coach of Rwanda before joining South Africa as Technical Director.

Coaching Style

Nees is a very modern and innovative football coach. Boasting various coaching credentials and an MA Degree in Sports Science, Performance Physiology and Ethnology, Nees brings an innovative approach to modern day coaching.

Fun Fact

Nees was part of the support staff that accompanied England to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Conclusion

With Zimbabwe eager to leave their mark on the continent, coach Michael Nees carries a huge responsibility of getting the best our of a greatly talented Zimbabwe side that is yet to perform at its fullest potential.