Is Zim targeting Chiefs' Chivaviro? Coach Nees responds

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has revealed his stance on Kaizer Chiefs striker Ranga Chivaviro, who is eligible to play for The Warriors.

Nees has been leaving no stone unturned in trying to assemble a formidable Warriors squad since taking reigns in September.

And it has emerged that Kaizer Chiefs centre-forward Chivaviro is one of his targets as they look to solve their goalscoring problems.

Chivaviro was born in Limpopo to a South African mother and a Zimbabwean father. This means he is also eligible to play for The Warriors, if he agrees to change his nationality to represent Zimbabwe.

The gangly striker has been leading Nasreddine Nabi‘s troops from the front, with two goals from three games in the new 2024/25 season.

So far, Nees has been rotating SuperSport United’s Terrence Dzvukamanja and Douglas Mapfumo of Polokwane City FC.

Young Africans striker Prince Dube, who scored Zimbabwe’s third goal when they beat Namibia has been another option in the centre-forward position.

Zimbabwe are on course to qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals after consolidating second place in Group J following their convincing 3-1 over Namibia on Monday at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Ranga Chivaviro during a training session. Photo by Kaizer Chiefs

MICHAEL NEES REVEALS HIS STANCE ON CHIEFS STRIKER RANGA CHIVAVIRO

It remains to be seen if the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] will make steps towards luring Chivaviro. But the German coach Nees has revealed his stance towards that forceful 31-year-old striker.

“We have a long list of players. And we are interested in every good player but we also have good players here. So we observe players and also make a decision to approach or not when the time is right,” said Nees.

“It’s not just because someone plays at Kaizer Chiefs. Last season he had four goals but before that he had a very good time [at Marumo Gallants].

“We observe every player but we must praise our players, they played very good today [against Namibia]. Like I said we have a long list, and its not just about bringing a player.

“He must add value, he had a good time before joining Kaizer Chiefs [at Gallants]. And he has started this season on a high note, so we will see,” added Nees.