Talks in final stages as Hughton closes in on Zimbabwe job, Reports
Former Ghana and Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is strongly tipped to be named the new Zimbabwe Warriors head coach, with reports suggesting that final negotiations are already underway ahead of an official announcement early next week.
The 66-year-old, who has also managed Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Nottingham Forest, is understood to be the leading candidate among more than 300 applicants for the position. Hughton’s track record at the top level of English football, combined with his experience coaching on the African continent, has reportedly impressed the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) technical committee.
Hughton last worked with Ghana’s Black Stars, guiding them through the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before being relieved of his duties in January 2024. His brief but eventful tenure in Accra appears to have strengthened his understanding of African football, something ZIFA has prioritised in its recruitment drive.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi confirmed this week that the appointment process is nearing completion, with the new coach expected to be unveiled by Monday or Tuesday next week. Speaking on SuperSport’s Africa Sport show, Magwizi said:
“The process of appointing a coach is at an advanced stage. I think by Monday or Tuesday next week, we should be in a position to make an announcement.”
The Warriors have been without a permanent coach since German tactician Michael Nees was dismissed earlier this month following a disappointing run of results in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Despite leading Zimbabwe to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, Nees’ failure to secure a single qualifying win prompted ZIFA to seek a fresh start.
The association has made no secret of its desire to appoint a coach with a “modern, data-driven football philosophy” and a proven history of working with elite players — qualities Hughton’s résumé fits perfectly.
If confirmed, Hughton’s first assignment will come in the November FIFA window, when Zimbabwe face Algeria in Saudi Arabia on November 13 and Qatar four days later. These friendlies will serve as crucial preparation for the AFCON finals in Morocco, which begin in December.
Zimbabwe have been drawn in a tough group alongside Egypt, Angola, and South Africa, meaning Hughton’s experience and tactical discipline could prove vital as the Warriors aim to reach the knockout stages for the first time in over two decades.