HARARE – CAPS United legend Alois Bunjira has taken to his official Facebook page to suggest Norman Mapeza as the ideal local candidate to replace the recently fired Zimbabwe Warriors coach Michael Nees, while tipping Pitso Mosimane as the best foreign option.
The Warriors head coach position is currently vacant following Nees’ dismissal on Wednesday night after a string of poor results.
The German mentor managed only two wins, both against Namibia, in 16 matches since his appointment last year.
With speculation mounting over who will take charge ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco this December, Bunjira shared his thoughts on the matter.
“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,” he wrote.
Known as Cross Cross during his playing days, Bunjira also proposed that if ZIFA were to reappoint Mapeza, the technical setup should include Kaitano Tembo, who currently serves as assistant coach, alongside Simba Bhora’s Joel Luphahla and unattached Lloyd Chitembwe as the other assistants.
Additionally, Bunjira humorously added that he would like to be appointed as the strikers’ coach.
Meanwhile, the incoming Warriors head coach will have little time to settle, with the team’s next assignment scheduled for the international break between November 10 and 18.
Zimbabwe will face Qatar and Algeria in friendly matches confirmed by ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi on Thursday.
“As ZIFA, we would like to announce that we are playing friendly matches against Qatar and Algeria in November. We chose the two teams because we want fixtures that will truly test our mettle.
“Qatar and Algeria represent the calibre of opposition we must face to measure our readiness for the upcoming AFCON. So the choice of these matches was deliberate,” Magwizi told the media.
In July, the Warriors also played two international friendlies against Niger and Benin as part of their ongoing preparations for the continental showpiece.
