No wins. Five draws. Five losses. Bottom of the group.

That’s how Zimbabwe’s senior men’s national football team, the Warriors, wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign. A campaign that began with cautious optimism has ended in bitter disappointment, with just 5 points from a possible 30—a meager 16% return.

By Tongai Mwenje

Group C was never going to be easy, but it wasn’t insurmountable either. Zimbabwe were drawn alongside Benin, Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Teams with pedigree, yes, but also teams the Warriors have matched or beaten in the past. Yet, this time, they couldn’t muster a single win.

The numbers are damning; 0 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses, 12 goals conceded (joint worst with Lesotho) and only 5 goals scored.

Lesotho, a team Zimbabwe once dominated, beat the Warriors home and away, with today’s 1–0 result concluding the back-to-back victories. Nigeria and South Africa, the group’s heavyweights, barely broke a sweat. Even Rwanda, often seen as equals, walked away with more points.

Appointed in July 2024, head coach Michael Nees was tasked with two goals; qualify for AFCON 2025 and build a competitive squad for the World Cup qualifiers. He’s achieved the former. But the latter? A catastrophic failure.

Not fifth. Not fourth. Sixth.

And while qualifying for AFCON 2025 is a silver lining, it’s not enough to mask the rot. Zimbabwe has never progressed beyond the group stage in any of its previous AFCON appearances since debuting in 2004. The expectation this time is clear; make it out of the group.

But after this World Cup qualifying debacle, football stakeholders are asking; Is Nees the right man to lead us into AFCON 2025?

He’s had over a year to mold the team. He’s had competitive fixtures to test tactics and build chemistry. Yet, the Warriors look disjointed, toothless in attack, and fragile at the back. The numbers don’t lie.

So what now? ZIFA must decide. Quickly. AFCON 2025 is around the corner. The nation demands more than just participation. It demands progress.

Because for Zimbabwean football, mediocrity is no longer acceptable.

The Warriors return to the Peter Mokaba Stadium tonight — a venue that holds fond memories after sealing AFCON qualification there last year. Head coach Michael Nees says that history adds extra motivation as Zimbabwe face Lesotho.

“We have good memories of Polokwane and hope to create more,” said Nees. “The energy of our fans always makes a big difference.”

Although Zimbabwe are out of World Cup contention, Nees insists the match remains crucial for the team’s growth and pride. “It’s about progress, learning, and representing our country with dignity,” he added.

With a mix of young talent and experienced leaders, the Warriors will be playing not just for points — but to show that Zimbabwean football is steadily rebuilding, one game at a time.

The recent controversy surrounding Sheasham Football Club’s withdrawal from the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) has laid bare the troubling disconnect between regional football governance and its national oversight body, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). Two official statements—one from the CRSL Regional Administrator, Gift Nyapomwe, and another from ZIFA—have not only contradicted each other but also exposed systemic weaknesses in communication, procedural clarity, and institutional cohesion.

By Tongai Mwenje

Nyapomwe’s statement, issued to all CRSL clubs, unequivocally confirms Sheasham FC’s immediate withdrawal from the league. It reads as a final acceptance, offering no indication of dispute resolution mechanisms or further engagement. In contrast, ZIFA’s press release asserts that Sheasham FC remains a member of the league until the matter is resolved “amicably through the proper processes.”

“The Association would like to inform your esteemed office and person that Sheasham FC has officially withdrawn from the league with immediate effect. We appreciate Sheasham FC participation and contributions to the league. For any clarification, please contact the undersigned,” Nyapomwe said.

“Following a review of the matter, the Association advises that Sheasham Football Club remains a member of the Central Region Soccer League until the issue has been amicably resolved through the proper processes,” reads part of ZIFA statement.

This contradiction raises serious questions, who has the final authority to accept or reject a club’s withdrawal? Was ZIFA consulted before the regional body issued its statement? Are there clear protocols for handling such disputes?

The lack of alignment between the two bodies suggests either a breakdown in communication or a fundamental misunderstanding of governance roles.

Nyapomwe’s letter lacks procedural depth. It fails to reference any formal complaint, disciplinary hearing, or mediation effort. The absence of due process language implies that Sheasham’s withdrawal was accepted without scrutiny—despite the serious allegation of “unfair treatment” and “bad officiating.”

ZIFA’s response, while more measured, is reactive rather than proactive. It reminds regional affiliates of procedural frameworks but does not clarify whether Sheasham’s grievances were formally lodged or investigated. The phrase “amicably resolved” is vague and non-committal, offering no timeline, roadmap, or accountability structure.

This exposes a critical weakness; a lack of transparent, enforceable dispute resolution mechanisms within Zimbabwean football governance.

The conflicting messages also damage public confidence. Clubs, fans, and sponsors are left confused about Sheasham’s status. Is the club in or out? Who speaks with authority? Such ambiguity undermines the credibility of both ZIFA and the CRSL, painting a picture of fragmented leadership and poor crisis management.

Moreover, the failure to address the core issue—alleged bad officiating—suggests a reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths. If officiating standards are being questioned, the matter deserves independent review, not bureaucratic deflection.