Zimbabwe focussed on AFCON as Michael Nees dismisses Bafana Bafana ‘party crasher’ role
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees says their priorities are different to that of Bafana Bafana.
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Head coach Michael Nees has made it clear that Zimbabwe’s Warriors are not looking to spoil anyone else’s World Cup dreams — their focus is on preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Our main motivation is not to be a party crasher,” Nees said ahead of Friday’s clash against Bafana Bafana at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (kick-off at 6pm). “Our main motivation is to improve as sportsmen, as a team that’s headed towards the AFCON at this moment.”
The German tactician added that professionalism and respect remain non-negotiable, even though Zimbabwe have already been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race.
“We will treat every team equally in this group because we know there are four teams still competing,” Nees said. “We have to respect the opponents and treat this game as seriously as it is.”
Zimbabwe’s exit from the World Cup qualifiers has been marked by inconsistency and off-field turbulence, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group C.
But for captain Marvelous Nakamba, the remaining matches are about growth, momentum, and preparation for the continental stage.
“The morale is very high because we’re starting our own preparations,” Nakamba said. “Yes, we are out of the World Cup qualifiers, but we’re taking the game as preparation for the AFCON because we have qualified for that, so it is an important message for Zimbabwe as well.”
The Warriors are drawn in the same AFCON group as South Africa, meaning these encounters carry added significance. Nakamba stressed the need for his team to use the matches to fine-tune their rhythm and mentality ahead of the continental showpiece.
“We have to start preparing ourselves as well because we’re in the same group as Bafana in the AFCON,” he added.
While World Cup dreams may be over, Nees and Nakamba are determined to use the upcoming game at Moses Mabhida and the following clash against Rwanda as a platform to rebuild confidence, cohesion, and competitive sharpness.
For Zimbabwe, the message is clear: the next chapter begins now, and the focus is on leaving a mark at AFCON rather than dwelling on past disappointments.