Zimbabwe’s national football team has achieved a remarkable feat under the leadership of German coach Michael Nees, qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in just three months. In contrast, Kenya’s Harambee Stars, under Turkish coach Engin Firat, have failed to qualify for the third consecutive edition of the tournament. This stark difference in fortunes highlights the contrasting paths both teams have taken despite similar challenges.
Kenya’s journey to AFCON 2025 ended with a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, marking the end of their hopes for a spot in the tournament. This result ensured that Kenya would miss their third consecutive AFCON, having failed to qualify for both the 2021 and 2023 editions. Their focus now shifts to the 2027 tournament, for which they have already qualified as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are celebrating their return to the tournament after missing out on the 2023 edition, which was also a result of a FIFA ban.
Both teams had to overcome the hurdle of FIFA suspensions that locked them out of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. However, the comparison between the two teams’ performances since the lifting of the bans is telling. While Zimbabwe has shown significant progress under Nees in a short period, Kenya’s national team has struggled to make strides under Firat, despite enjoying the stability of having a single coach for the past three years.
Firat was appointed as the Harambee Stars coach in November 2021 on a three-month contract, which was later extended until 2026. One of his main promises was to secure Kenya’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON. However, after three years, the results have been underwhelming. Despite having had ample time to assemble and develop the team, Kenya has only managed three competitive wins, a stark contrast to the expectations set by Firat’s appointment. The lack of success on the pitch has only been exacerbated by off-field challenges, including the absence of a home stadium, poor training facilities, and a lack of fan support. Firat has often voiced his frustration, pointing out these systemic issues as major obstacles hindering the team’s progress.
In contrast, Nees, who took charge of Zimbabwe’s national team in July 2024, has managed to navigate similar challenges with remarkable success. Zimbabwe, like Kenya, has had to play home matches away from their own country due to logistical issues. However, Nees has been able to get the best out of his players, guiding the team to an unbeaten run in the qualifiers, which included a goalless draw against Kenya, a 0-0 draw with Cameroon, and victories over Namibia.
Nees has also managed to bring back Khama Billiat, a key player who had been absent from the national team for some time. Billiat’s return has provided Zimbabwe with a creative spark, as he played a pivotal role in their victory over Namibia. Nees has been pragmatic in his approach, understanding the limitations imposed by poor pitch conditions and selecting players who can adapt to these circumstances. His ability to adjust tactics based on the available resources has been crucial in Zimbabwe’s qualification.
In contrast, Firat’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency and a lack of tactical flexibility. Despite his experience, Firat has struggled to settle on a consistent playing style or a reliable starting lineup. His defensive, cautious approach has often failed to inspire confidence, both among the players and the fans, leading to a lack of progress and disappointing results.
Zimbabwe’s qualification for AFCON 2025 is a testament to the effectiveness of Nees’s adaptable coaching, while Kenya’s continued struggles under Firat’s leadership raise questions about the future of the national team. Despite facing similar challenges, Nees has managed to rally his players, while Firat’s tenure remains plagued by underachievement. As Zimbabwe celebrates their return to the continental tournament, Kenya remains on the outside looking in, still searching for the solutions that might one day take them back to the AFCON stage.
