Chris Hughton Tipped to Become New Zimbabwe Head Coach
Former Ghana Black Stars coach Chris Hughton is reportedly on the verge of being appointed as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe national football team, the Warriors. Reports from Harare suggest that the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has identified the experienced tactician as its top candidate to lead the team’s rebuilding project ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Hughton, 66, who managed Ghana from 2023 to early 2024, has remained without a coaching role since parting ways with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the Black Stars’ disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Ivory Coast. However, his vast experience in both African and European football has made him a highly sought-after candidate across the continent.
Sources close to ZIFA indicate that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with an official announcement expected in the coming days once final contractual terms are agreed upon. The association has been on the hunt for a new coach after parting ways with Baltemar Brito, whose short stint ended amid poor results in the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.
Chris Hughton’s possible appointment comes as Zimbabwe looks to restore stability and competitiveness after years of administrative challenges and FIFA suspensions. The Warriors are currently in a rebuilding phase, with the football association seeking to revive domestic structures and restore public confidence in the national team.
ZIFA insiders reveal that Hughton’s proven track record in developing teams and his calm, disciplined approach to management make him an ideal candidate for the role. During his tenure with Ghana, he oversaw a successful qualification campaign for the 2023 AFCON and promoted several young talents to the senior national team.
If appointed, Hughton will be tasked with improving Zimbabwe’s performance in upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations campaign. He is expected to bring his European tactical discipline and emphasis on structure and player development to a team that has struggled for consistency.
The potential move has generated excitement among Zimbabwean football fans, many of whom view Hughton’s appointment as a sign of renewed ambition from ZIFA. His coaching résumé includes stints in the English Premier League with clubs such as Newcastle United, Norwich City, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
While both ZIFA and Hughton have yet to issue official statements, football analysts believe the deal is nearing completion. Should it go through, it will mark a significant step for Zimbabwean football, aligning the nation with a coach of global experience and strategic depth.
Hughton’s experience working within Africa’s football landscape, coupled with his reputation for professionalism and tactical precision, is expected to help reshape the Warriors into a competitive force on the continent once more.
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