National Teams
2026 FIFA WCQ: Michael Nees vows to fight for Zimbabwe integrity vs South Africa
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has pledged that his team will give their all in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, despite being out of the running for qualification.
The Warriors, who sit bottom of Group C with just four points, will face Bafana Bafana at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday in a fixture with significant implications for other group contenders, notably Nigeria and Benin, both still in contention for a World Cup spot.
While Zimbabwe’s campaign is mathematically over, Nees insisted his side will approach the match with full professionalism, national pride, and a sense of duty to the integrity of the competition.
“It’s very important for us. This match still counts—for the FIFA rankings, for psychological momentum ahead of AFCON, and because it’s a derby,” Nees said.
“And on top of that, four teams in this group can still qualify. The last thing we want is to be accused of not giving our best.”
He added that the team had discussed the significance of the match extensively within the Zimbabwe Football Association, agreeing that they must approach it as committed sportsmen regardless of their position in the table.
“We have a responsibility to give everything we have and come out with our heads held high,” he said.
Nees also reiterated that wearing the Zimbabwe shirt remains a privilege, and that his squad understands the weight of representing the nation on the international stage.
“We play for the pride of Zimbabwe. Every game is a chance to show that,” he added.
While Zimbabwe will not be in the mix for a 2026 World Cup place, their performance could directly affect the outcome of Group C, where South Africa, Nigeria, Benin, and others remain locked in a tight battle for qualification.
