ZIFA to Announce New Warriors Coach on Monday After 300 Applications

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is expected to name the new Warriors head coach on Monday after receiving an unprecedented flood of interest in the position — more than 300 applications from both domestic and international candidates.

Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa program on Thursday evening, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi confirmed that the recruitment process was nearing completion.

“We’re now in the final stages of selecting the Warriors coach. The announcement should come by Monday, or Tuesday at the latest,” Magwizi stated.

The role became vacant after Michael Nees was dismissed following a disappointing run of results, leaving the national team without a head coach just two weeks ahead of the November FIFA international window.

According to sources, the online application portal — which closed on Thursday — attracted overwhelming interest, with over 300 CVs submitted. Among the prominent applicants is Chris Hughton, the former manager of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and the Ghana national team, who is reportedly among the top contenders for the job.

ZIFA has stipulated that all candidates must hold a CAF or UEFA Pro License, a requirement that effectively excludes most local coaches, as none currently possess that qualification.

Once appointed, the new coach will immediately take charge of preparations for the Warriors’ upcoming friendlies — against Algeria on November 13 in Saudi Arabia and Qatar four days later. These matches form part of the team’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for December 2025.