MATCH PREVIEW – Nees Backs Warriors to Finish Strong Against Lesotho

As the Warriors line up for their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C qualifier this evening against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Head Coach Michael Nees has urged his charges to channel the same resilience and spirit that carried them through a gruelling goalless draw with South Africa just three days ago.

Kick-off is scheduled for 1800hrs CAT, and while the stadium atmosphere may not match the electric scenes of Durban last week, Nees is confident that his team has both the belief and determination to end the campaign on a positive note.

Zimbabwe’s journey through the qualifiers has been a challenging one, marked by moments of promise, frustration, and rebuilding. The Warriors come into this fixture with a point to prove, particularly after their 2-0 loss to Lesotho in the reverse fixture at Orlando Stadium last year. That match came under former coach Jairos Tapera, but Nees insists that his team now has both the structure and mindset to turn the tables.

“Lesotho is a team applying a very physical and direct vertical game approach, focusing a lot on transition attacks,” Nees explained on the eve of the match. “No doubt, we can expect them giving 100%, and mentally we need to be prepared to accept the fight and this type of match, in front of a much smaller crowd than versus Bafana. Especially just 72 hours after our match in Durban, in which we had to go to the absolute limit and play 35 minutes with ten men.”

Indeed, the goalless draw against Bafana Bafana was a test of the Warriors’ resolve. Reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Knowledge Musona, Zimbabwe nonetheless managed to contain a South Africa and could well have won the game at the death. For Nees, that performance was evidence of the fighting spirit and collective discipline he has been cultivating within the squad.

“There was a lot to be proud of from that match,” Nees said. “We showed great heart, organisation, and the willingness to compete even under difficult circumstances. Now the challenge is to reproduce that same effort against Lesotho, who are a very different opponent in style and approach.”

Lesotho, who lost 1-2 to Nigeria at the same venue last week, have enjoyed mixed fortunes during the campaign. However, their strong defensive shape and quick counter-attacks have made them difficult opponents for many. They also boast the psychological advantage of having beaten Zimbabwe earlier in the qualifiers, something Nees is determined to address.

“We want to turn that first leg defeat around and finish the campaign on a positive note,” he added. “During the qualification Lesotho had mixed results, though amongst them also some very good ones, for example both matches against Nigeria and in Rwanda. We are very confident to achieve a good result this time.”

The Warriors’ preparations have been complicated by fatigue and injuries, with several players facing late fitness tests following the physically demanding encounter in Durban. Nees confirmed that both Thando Ngwenya and Knowledge Musona will miss the match, while a few others remain doubtful.

“Thando Ngwenya and Knowledge Musona are definitely out, maybe one or two more,” the German coach revealed. “Some fresh legs can be expected in the starting line-up. We need to balance our energy levels carefully, because recovery time has been limited. But I believe in the depth and commitment of this group. Whoever starts, the expectation is the same – to give everything for the team and for our country.”

The Warriors’ return to the Peter Mokaba Stadium also brings back positive memories. It was here that Zimbabwe secured qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations last year, a moment that remains one of the recent highlights for the team and their fans. For Nees, that connection to the venue serves as an added motivation.

“We have good memories of Polokwane, as we qualified here to the AFCON last year,” he said. “We want to continue to build positive memories about this place, and we hope that many passionate Zimbabweans will come to the stadium and support us. The energy of the fans always makes a big difference.”

While the Warriors no longer stand a chance of qualifying for the World Cup, Nees believes that every match is part of a larger process – one that will define the team’s identity and future direction.

“This match is not only about points,” he explained. “It’s about pride, progress, and showing that we are learning and improving with every game. We have young players coming through, experienced ones showing leadership, and a collective desire to represent Zimbabwe in the right way. That’s what drives us.”

As the sun sets over Polokwane this evening, the Warriors will walk onto the pitch with the knowledge that they carry the hopes of millions. For Nees, the focus remains simple – to compete, to believe, and to finish with dignity. For Michael Nees and his men, it is an opportunity not just to end on a high, but to remind the continent that Zimbabwean football is building towards something stronger – one step, one match, one fight at a time.

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