When the Coach Stops Winning, Fire Him: Lessons from ZIFA Every Entrepreneur Needs

ZIFA has done it again! After a series of heartbreaking defeats that had fans chewing plastic bottles in the stands, the Zimbabwe Football Association finally decided to part ways with Warriors coach, Mr. Michael Nees.

The German gaffer’s record? Sixteen matches. Two wins. Both against Namibia. Even Manchester United fans looked at us and said, “Shame.”

But before we roast the poor man too hard, let’s bring it home to African business life. Because what ZIFA just did isn’t just football; it’s pure business wisdom.

When Results Don’t Come, Review the Contract or Fire the Coach

As entrepreneurs, we’ve all met our own “Michael Nees.” That one employee who came in with a polished CV, spoke big English during the interview “I’m a self-driven, dynamic team player with strong interpersonal skills only to freeze when it’s time to deliver.

You invest in them. You give them tools. You give them time. You even pray for them. But months later… silence. No sales. No growth. Just vibes.

At some point, like ZIFA, you must make the hard decision: fire the coach.

Because a business is not a charity. If the person you hired to win is only producing excuses, it’s time to change tactics.

Know Your Team Statistics

ZIFA looked at the numbers 16 matches, 2 wins and said, “Aiwa, hatichada.” (That’s enough)

As a business owner, do you know your team’s stats? How many calls is your sales team making per day? How many meetings are they booking? How many deals are in the pipeline and how many are actually closing?

If you don’t know these numbers, you’re not running a business you’re running a “faith-based organization.”

Set clear targets. Track results. And if someone keeps missing the mark, don’t let emotional attachment keep you from making the right decision.

Have a Backup Plan (and Wi-Fi!)

Even when ZIFA fires a coach, the football must go on. That’s why they always have interim arrangements.

Entrepreneurs take notes. Don’t wait for things to fall apart to start thinking about Plan B. If your office phone lines go down, your team should still be able to make calls via WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet.

Invest in Wi-Fi, backup systems, and flexible tools so that when one channel fails, business doesn’t stop. Because nothing is worse than a company that goes offline both literally and financially. And also If one person goes another must be ready to pick up the call.

Fire Ceremonial Managers Too

Let’s also talk about those “ceremonial CEOs” the ones who just show up to pose for pictures, give speeches, and disappear when it’s time for real decisions.

If your manager is just there for show always delegating but never delivering that’s your Michael Nees. A real leader takes charge, makes tough calls, and drives performance.

In football, a coach must choose his players based on merit, not pressure. The same goes for business: don’t let outsiders dictate who should play in your team.

Vendor Wisdom

Before you rush to fire anyone, though, take a page from Vendor Wisdom: Always review your contracts.

If you’re ending someone’s deal before its time, honor your agreements pay what’s due, follow proper procedure, and move on cleanly. Otherwise, you’ll spend months dragging each other to court, wasting time, money, and energy that could have gone into growing your business.

The Final Whistle

At the end of the day, leadership is about results, not titles. ZIFA didn’t just fire a coach they reminded every business owner that sentiment doesn’t build success. Performance does.

So, as we clap for ZIFA’s bold decision, let’s ask the million-dollar question: Who do you think should be the next coach of the Zimbabwe Men’s National Soccer Team The Warriors?

By The Chartered Vendor

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