Zim boss singles out Polokwane after AFCON qualification

Zimbabwe boss Michael Nees has singled out their appearance in Polokwane after they qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Warriors are among the 24 teams set to test their might and compete for continental glory at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

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Nees, who formerly worked as an education officer at SAFA, has made an instant impact since his appointment in July, becoming the second foreign coach to guide Zimbabwe to the tournament after Croatian manager Zdravko Logarusic achieved the feat at AFCON 2021.

Zimbabwe secured their place after finishing second in Group J of the qualifiers, with nine points from six matches.

Although they lost their last game 2-1 against group winners Cameroon on Tuesday, Zimbabwe's qualification was confirmed days earlier when they drew 1-1 with Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Prior to their game in Polokwane, Nees expressed that he was happier to play there rather than at Orlando Stadium, as it was logistically easier to hold their games in the Limpopo province rather than Gauteng.

With the German tactician having now fulfilled his assignment, he has singled out Polokwane when reflecting on his side's journey to AFCON next year in December.

"It's a great moment for everyone, more importantly the fans," said Nees after Zimbabwe landed back home from Cameroon, according to NewZimbabwe.com.

"I am proud of the boys for what they did but more importantly the fans for rallying behind us in Polokwane.

"So definitely it's a special moment for everyone."

Remarkably, Zimbabwe form part of nine nations from the COSAFA region who will be at AFCON 2025, alongside Angola, Botswana, Comoros, DR Congo, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.

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By Lukhanyo Mtuta

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