HARARE — Former CAPS United and Zimbabwe Warriors striker Alois Bunjira has weighed in on the debate over who should take charge of the national football team, tipping Norman Mapeza as the best local option and Pitso Mosimane as the ideal foreign coach to replace the recently dismissed Michael Nees.
Nees, the German tactician, was shown the door by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on Wednesday night following a disappointing run of results — winning only two of 16 matches, both against Namibia, since his appointment in 2024. His departure has reignited public discussion about who can revive the Warriors’ fortunes ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco this December.
Taking to his official Facebook page, Bunjira, affectionately known as “Cross Cross” during his playing days, made his recommendations clear.
“If ZIFA are considering a local coach, then Norman Mapeza is the right man. But if the association wants a foreigner, I would go for Pitso Mosimane. He has a proven track record of success and is highly qualified. He also knows a lot of our players as well. Pitso for me,” Bunjira wrote.
Mapeza, who is currently linked with a possible exit from FC Platinum, has previously served as interim Warriors coach on several occasions. His familiarity with the local football landscape and player pool could make him a front-runner if ZIFA opts for a homegrown appointment.
Mosimane, on the other hand, is one of Africa’s most decorated coaches, having led Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly to multiple league and continental titles. His name has previously been floated by fans calling for a more modern and structured approach to the Warriors’ rebuilding process.
Bunjira went further to suggest a revamped technical setup under Mapeza, comprising Kaitano Tembo as assistant coach, Joel Luphahla of Simba Bhora, and unattached former CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe as additional technical team members.
He jokingly added that he would personally volunteer to serve as a strikers’ coach “to sharpen our forwards’ finishing instincts.”
Tough Road Ahead for the Next Coach
Whoever takes over will have little time to adjust, with the Warriors set to play two international friendlies during the next FIFA window, between 10 and 18 November.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi confirmed on Thursday that Zimbabwe will face Qatar and Algeria, matches deliberately chosen to test the team’s readiness ahead of AFCON.
“We chose Qatar and Algeria because we want fixtures that will truly test our mettle,” Magwizi said. “These are the kind of opponents that reflect the standard we must reach if we are serious about competing at the highest level.”
The friendlies follow Zimbabwe’s recent outings in July, where the Warriors faced Niger and Benin as part of ongoing efforts to build team chemistry and assess squad depth.
Meanwhile, ZIFA’s executive is under mounting pressure from fans and analysts to appoint a coach capable of restoring discipline, tactical structure, and confidence to the national team.
With less than two months before AFCON, the clock is ticking — and whoever takes the hot seat will inherit not just a struggling squad, but also the heavy burden of expectation from a nation desperate to see its footballing pride restored.
