JOB ADVERT: ZIFA Launches Global Hunt for New Zimbabwe Warriors Coach — Pitso Mosimane Tops Early Wishlist
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has formally begun its search for a new head coach for the senior national team, The Warriors, following the dismissal of German tactician Michael Nees earlier this week.
The position, officially advertised under the title Head Coach – Zimbabwe National Men’s Team (“The Warriors”), is open to both local and international applicants, with ZIFA outlining a detailed job description and professional requirements designed to attract elite, results-oriented candidates.
According to the job notice, the new coach will be expected to “lead, manage and develop the Zimbabwe National Men’s Team to achieve competitive excellence in COSAFA, AFCON and FIFA competitions,” while implementing a modern, data-driven football philosophy aligned with ZIFA’s national development strategy.
Key responsibilities include team selection, tactical planning, and match preparation, along with collaboration with ZIFA’s Technical Department to strengthen youth development and the national talent pathway. Applicants are required to hold a CAF Pro Licence or UEFA Pro Licence, with at least five years’ experience at top-flight club or national level.
ZIFA Moves Fast Following Nees Exit
As previously reported by Zimbabwe Warriors Zone, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi confirmed that the process to appoint a new coach is “already underway,” with a new appointment expected within a week to lead Zimbabwe into their November international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar — part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Magwizi said a technical and executive committee is working around the clock to identify a coach who combines strong leadership, tactical innovation, and proven success in African competitions.
“We are seeking a coach who can inspire belief, manage pressure, and build a team capable of competing at the highest level,” said Magwizi. “This is not just about experience — it’s about impact, vision, and a winning mentality.”
Pitso Mosimane Fits the Profile
Among the leading names already circulating within African football circles is Pitso Mosimane, the celebrated South African tactician widely regarded as one of the continent’s most successful modern coaches.
Mosimane, a CAF Champions League winner with Mamelodi Sundowns, Egypt’s Al Ahly, and a former Bafana Bafana boss, fits the exact profile ZIFA has outlined — experienced in African competitions, data-driven, and known for instilling discipline and structure in underperforming teams.
Fans across Zimbabwe have been vocal on social media, calling for the association to “go big” and hire a proven winner rather than recycling local or untested options.
“If you want to change results, bring in a coach who knows how to win,” one supporter wrote on Facebook.
However, the possibility of securing Mosimane may depend on ZIFA’s financial capacity, as the coach’s salary expectations could exceed the local federation’s budget.
Other Names in the Frame
In addition to Mosimane, other potential candidates being linked include Steve Komphela, Kaitano Tembo, Bruce Grobbelaar, Calisto Pasuwa, and George Mbwando, alongside foreign veterans such as Winfried Schäfer, Milutin “Micho” Sredojević, and Adel Amrouche.
While ZIFA has not disclosed whether it prefers a local or expatriate coach, officials have stressed that “due process will be followed”, with merit and alignment to the national football strategy being the key criteria.
The Road to Morocco
The Warriors are set to go into a 10-day pre-AFCON training camp in November, where the new coach will take charge of both local and foreign-based players before the team departs for Morocco.
Zimbabwe have been drawn in a tough Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola, making the appointment of an experienced tactician all the more urgent.
“We want to give the coach adequate time to prepare, assess players, and develop a tactical identity that matches our ambitions,” Magwizi said.
Applications Open
Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV, cover letter, and relevant licences to ZIFA via email.
Full Job Advert
HEAD COACH – ZIMBABWE NATIONAL MEN’S TEAM (“THE WARRIORS”) – Zimbabwe Football Association
The Head Coach will lead, manage and develop the Zimbabwe National Men’s Team (“The Warriors”) to achieve competitive excellence in COSAFA, AFCON and FIFA competitions. The role includes team selection, tactical strategy, training and performance management, aligned with ZIFA’s National Football Development Strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and delivery of the national team’s technical and tactical programmes.
- Scout, identify and select players for national duty based on merit, performance and potential.
- Develop and implement a modern, data-driven, performance-based football philosophy.
- Supervise and mentor the technical staff (assistants, analysts, goalkeeper coach, medical).
- Design and execute effective training programmes and match-day strategies.
- Collaborate with the ZIFA Technical Department to align with youth development and talent pathways.
- Ensure professional standards of discipline, integrity and sportsmanship at all times.
- Submit periodic technical and performance reports to the ZIFA Technical & Development Committee.
Person Specification
- CAF Pro Licence or UEFA Pro Licence (or equivalent internationally recognised qualification).
- Tertiary qualification in Sport Science/Coaching/Football Management is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 5 years’ professional coaching experience at national team and/or top-tier club level.
- Demonstrable experience in African competitions (AFCON, CAF Champions League/Confederation Cup, COSAFA).
- Proven record of achieving results under pressure and managing national expectations.
- Experience managing elite players and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong leadership and man-management, with success in multicultural environments
- Advanced tactical knowledge and analytical ability
- Excellent communication and media relations
- High levels of professionalism, discipline and teamwork
A competitive, performance-based package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Process
- Detailed curriculum vitae (max 4 pages)
- Cover letter outlining coaching philosophy and achievements (max 2 pages).
- Copies of coaching licences and academic certificates.
- Contact details of at least three professional referees.
- Earliest availability and salary expectations.
The General Secretary