HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe on Tuesday appointed German Michael Nees as their new football coach after a winless start to World Cup qualifying.

The 57-year-old Nees was previously coach of Rwanda and also coaching director of South Africa.

Nees’ appointment was due to his “in-depth knowledge of the African football landscape”, according to Lincoln Mutasa, interim head of the Zimbabwe Football Association.

The German has a big task ahead of him to revive Zimbabwe’s World Cup hopes. The southern African nation, who have never qualified for the World Cup, are still without a win after four qualifying matches.

The Warriors opened with draws against Rwanda and Nigeria, but then lost to Lesotho and South Africa.