Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees likes seeing Marshal Munetsi play forward positions with his English Premier League team, Wolves. Munetsi joined the Wanderers last month on transfer deadline day. Coach Vitor Pereira puts the energetic Zimbabwean mostly in central attack roles. Nees believes this helps sharpen Munetsi's skills for national team games.
"I am not surprised to see Munetsi playing those advanced roles. He can thrive anywhere along the central axis," Nees explained. "We played him there before, and he almost scored multiple times for the Warriors. He works as a typical box-to-box player who handles positions 10, 8, or central striker - maybe except the wings. He brings flexibility and effectiveness everywhere, including as position 6."
The Warriors restart their push for a 2026 World Cup spot later this month. Zimbabwe sits last in the six-team Group C with just two points after four games. Rwanda leads with seven points, five ahead of Zimbabwe. The German coach stays realistic about their chances but thinks the group remains open. Consistent positive results might give them a shot at reaching the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the USA next year.
Zimbabwe faces Benin at Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on March 20. Five days later, they travel to Uyo for a match against Nigeria. The Super Eagles rank second-last in the group with three points. Nees must plan without Tino Kadewere and Bill Antonio for both games. Marvelous Nakamba needs an assessment after his English Championship club, Luton Town, ruled him out until May due to injury.
"The team began the World Cup journey about eighteen months ago. AFCON qualification interrupted that process. Our World Cup situation looks far from perfect. We hold last place with two points and minus four-goal difference. Three teams tie at the top with seven points each. It creates a bizarre situation where Nigeria sits near the bottom, and Rwanda leads. This shows football's competitive nature," Nees stated.
Nees emphasized the need for the right psychological profile, mental approach, attitude, tactics, and organizational support. He respects all opponents regardless of rankings. The coach acknowledges that many variables affect game outcomes. He understands that every team gives maximum effort. Nees plans to recognize opponent strengths but also target their weaknesses during matches.
He wants the team to carry confidence from their successful AFCON qualification journey into World Cup contests. "We must maintain appropriate confidence levels - neither smaller nor bigger than reality warrants. We earned our AFCON qualification through difficult circumstances. We competed successfully against teams who reached the second round of the last AFCON. Even Kenya fielded a strong squad against us. Plus, we managed without home games throughout that process."
Nees believes they deserve qualification through skill rather than luck. He aims to build on their positive team development and spirit during upcoming challenges. The Warriors have previously demonstrated capability against tough opposition. The coaching staff plans to apply those proven approaches to improve their position in World Cup qualifying despite their challenging start.
"I am not surprised to see Munetsi playing those advanced roles. He can thrive anywhere along the central axis," Nees explained. "We played him there before, and he almost scored multiple times for the Warriors. He works as a typical box-to-box player who handles positions 10, 8, or central striker - maybe except the wings. He brings flexibility and effectiveness everywhere, including as position 6."
The Warriors restart their push for a 2026 World Cup spot later this month. Zimbabwe sits last in the six-team Group C with just two points after four games. Rwanda leads with seven points, five ahead of Zimbabwe. The German coach stays realistic about their chances but thinks the group remains open. Consistent positive results might give them a shot at reaching the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the USA next year.
Zimbabwe faces Benin at Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on March 20. Five days later, they travel to Uyo for a match against Nigeria. The Super Eagles rank second-last in the group with three points. Nees must plan without Tino Kadewere and Bill Antonio for both games. Marvelous Nakamba needs an assessment after his English Championship club, Luton Town, ruled him out until May due to injury.
"The team began the World Cup journey about eighteen months ago. AFCON qualification interrupted that process. Our World Cup situation looks far from perfect. We hold last place with two points and minus four-goal difference. Three teams tie at the top with seven points each. It creates a bizarre situation where Nigeria sits near the bottom, and Rwanda leads. This shows football's competitive nature," Nees stated.
Nees emphasized the need for the right psychological profile, mental approach, attitude, tactics, and organizational support. He respects all opponents regardless of rankings. The coach acknowledges that many variables affect game outcomes. He understands that every team gives maximum effort. Nees plans to recognize opponent strengths but also target their weaknesses during matches.
He wants the team to carry confidence from their successful AFCON qualification journey into World Cup contests. "We must maintain appropriate confidence levels - neither smaller nor bigger than reality warrants. We earned our AFCON qualification through difficult circumstances. We competed successfully against teams who reached the second round of the last AFCON. Even Kenya fielded a strong squad against us. Plus, we managed without home games throughout that process."
Nees believes they deserve qualification through skill rather than luck. He aims to build on their positive team development and spirit during upcoming challenges. The Warriors have previously demonstrated capability against tough opposition. The coaching staff plans to apply those proven approaches to improve their position in World Cup qualifying despite their challenging start.
