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Zimbabwe coach satisfied with start to Cup of Nations campaign

football07 September 2024 08:50| © Backpage TXT
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Michael Nees © X (@online_zifa)

New Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees expressed his satisfaction with the team’s goalless draw against Kenya at the start of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday.

It was the first game in charge of the team for the newly arrived German coach, who brought Khama Billiat out of international retirement to bolster his team’s chances.

The Group J opener was played in Kampala because Kenya do not have a stadium suitable for use in international matches .

 

 

This is also the case for Zimbabwe, after failing inspection by the Confederation of African Football, who will host their next group game in the Ugandan capital on Tuesday.

Of the match against the Harambee Stars, Nees said: “We played against a team with a lot of optimism. I am actually satisfied with the performance. We battled at the beginning, a little bit shaky, a little bit crampy, I must admit.

“The longer the game, the better we became. It was a good performance, but not a great one. But for me it was a good landing.

“We created some chances, but our game could be improved. “Overall, I am satisfied for the type of play, I think they did well”.

Preparations had not been easy, the new coach added.

“We had our first training on Monday together, Tuesday the second and basically we had a full squad on Wednesday.

“Two sessions with a full squad and the danger is we are going to overload the players and forget everything.”

Former Ajax Cape Town, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns star Billiat played his first game for his country after his announcing international retirement three years ago.

“For me, he was very good. Khama Billiat was the best man. He played really great,” the coach added after the match.

 

 

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