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Zim coach sheds light on roping PSL coach before Bafana clash

Photo: Zimbabwe national team head coach Michael Nees

Zimbabwe national team head coach Michael Nees has shed light on why he roped in Kaitano Tembo ahead of facing Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

The Zimbabwean tactician was lured from Sekhukhune United after assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi stepped down from his role as he faces disciplinary action for slapping his own player during a Zimbabwe PSL match last Saturday.

Nees says he had been courting Tembo since he took over, citing the former SuperSport United, Richards Bay and Sekhukhune mentor's vivid knowledge of the South African football landscape.

“I brought Kaitano in, actually the plan goes back to last year when I started [took over] but he was in his club in a position called senior coach and he didn't get the 100% release for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” explained the Zim boss.

"It would have been a a little bit of a challenge for him, so we postponed it. We stayed in contact but it was clear between the two of us that we are drawn against South Africa and this is going to be a hot topic later in the year and we must just find the right timing.

"I think it was the right timing, when I proposed that ahead of this match - we played South Africa twice in a period of two and a half months. He knows South Africa in and out, I think he lived here for 27 years.

The German tactician went on to reveal that he and Tembo come a long way back, highlighting that with his addition on top of players who previously plied their trade in South Africa, the Warriors have enough arsenal in their firepower.

"I think we have 14 players who have previously played or have relations to South Africa than Kaitano and me also. I worked four years in the South African Football Association (SAFA), so we have a good insight.

"Kaitano, apart from that he knows South Africa, he brings another dimension. He is an experienced coach, well respected also as a player, loyal person. The way he played is also another point.

"I know Kaitano since 2003 when we played against each other, me as a coach and then he was in my coaching courses during the time I was in the South African Football Association and we stayed in contact.