Zimbabwe have roped Kaitano Tembo into their technical team, a familiar face in South African football, just ahead of facing Bafana Bafana.
Tembo recently joined the Warriors, replacing Takesure Chiragwi, who also serves as Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach.
Chiragwi stepped down as assistant coach following a controversial incident where he’s said to have slapped his own player during a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Dynamos on Saturday.
Nees revealed he had intended to appoint Tembo when his tenure began last year citing his deep knowledge of African football, gained over more than 25 years in the country, which will be extremely helpful when they take on Bafana.
“I brought Kaitano in, actually the plan was to do that last year when I started,” said Nees. “But he was starting at his club a position called ‘senior coach’. He didn’t get a release 100%, it could have been a little bit of a challenge to him.
“We stayed in contact. You always have to find the right timing, then it was the right timing ahead of the AFCON and also ahead of this match.
“He knows South Africa in and out, I think he’s been here for 27 years. But then we also have 14 players who have previously played in South Africa. Then there’s me also, who worked for four years in the South African Football Association. So, we have a good inside.
“For Kaitano, apart from the knowledge he has about South Africa. He brings another dimension. He’s a well experienced coach, well respected also as a player and loyal person.”
The Warriors host South Africa tomorrow in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Bafana Bafana – at Moses Mabhida Stadium (18h00).