How Belgium’s Mechelen plan to integrate Zimbabwean signing Bill Antonio
Zimbabwe’s speedy winger Bill Antonio has signed a two-year contract with Belgian Pro League outfit KV Mechelen and the club has revealed its plan to integrate him into the team.
The 20-year-old joins the Antwerp-based club from Harare giants Dynamos, where he made his professional debut in 2021 during the coveted Chibuku Super Cup.
Bill Antonio impressed during a month-long trial stint last month and was recalled by the Belgian club last week to complete the formalities.
He will start off in the Under-23 ranks at Mechelen as they seek to help him quickly acclimate to their system.
In announcing this development, club sporting director Tom Caluwé was full of praises for the former Prince Edward student.
“Bill Antonio is no stranger to Mechelen. This summer, he already came to do an internship with us. In this, he was able to convince the sporting cell.
“Bill [Antonio] is a fast right wing with an action in the feet. To integrate, he will play with our U23 at the beginning of his stay,” Caluwe said.
Undoubtedly this is a dream come true for the exciting midfielder who took the unorthodox path of leaving his studies to be a full-time footballer despite his good grades.
This comes as a significant development for the Zimbabwe national team, with Antonio already touted as one of the Warriors’ finest prospects.
So far, he has one cap he gained when Zimbabwe played against South Africa in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
He missed an opportunity to travel with the team for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon after coach Norman Mapeza opted for experienced players.
Antonio was put on standby along with three other rookies from the local premiership.
However, his move to KV Mechelen ultimately makes him a top contender for a first-team place in the Warriors squad.
Antonio will also hope to emulate former Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona who was exceptional during his time in Belgium at KV Ostende and K.A.S Eupen.
He joins the growing list of Zimbabweans that played in Belgium, including Musona, Moses Chunga and Cephas Chimedza.