Calls amplified for ex-Chiefs marksman to follow Khama Billiat’s footsteps
After Khama Billiat came out of international football retirement, calls are being amplified for an ex-Kaizer Chiefs marksman to follow suit.
Late last month, Billiat announced his decision to come out of international football retirement after initially quitting the Zimbabwe National Team over three years ago.
Upon return, the 34-year-old gave a good show in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon.
And with Zimbabwe rebuilding their squad under German coach Michael Nees, Billiat finds himself at the core of the team.
Against Kenya and Cameroon, the former Mamelodi Sundowns forward showed some flashes of brilliance. But, the lethal element is still missing in the team. The Warriors could not score in both Group J matches that ended 0-0. But how they applied themselves has left their faithful hopeful of better strides.
ZIM SUPPORTERS EX-CHIEFS MARKSMAN MUSONA TO FOLLOW BILLIAT’S FOOTSTEPS
As the rebuilding takes shape, calls have been made for former Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona to follow in Billiat’s footsteps.
Zimbabwean football supporters took to Facebook to appeal to Musona to come out of retirement. Owen Magunje posted: “Knowledge Musona, please, bro, we are begging you as a nation, just one more time.
“We feel you still have a lot to offer, and you’re very green. So we indeed appreciate and respect your decision, but this is just a humble plea. Hope you’ll find it in your heart to give us another dance with The Warriors, bro,” he said.
John Kalivana said: “If Messi and Ronaldo are still playing, why not Musona Knowledge? Convince him to come out of retirement one more time; the better, he’s still capable.”
Washington Zhakata added his voice saying: ” We have been struggling for goals since the FIFA ban was lifted.
“And we also have so many greenhorns in the team who are crying for on-field inspiration and guidance. We have tried different combinations upfront but to no avail. It is, therefore, our perceived view that currently, there is no better person to do so than our former captain.
“This is our humble appeal to the Silent Assassin to reconsider his decision to retire so that he can come back and help in laying a firm foundation for the future success of our beloved Warriors.
“Trust that he will accede to our humble request for at least the remainder of the current AFCON qualification campaign. I’m quite convinced that his mere presence would inspire most of these upcoming stars.”
Musona retired from international football in May 2022, having made his Warriors debut at the age of 19 in 2010, notably impressing in a friendly match against former World champions Brazil.
He retired at a time when he was the team’s captain in a period where he featured 51 times and scored 24 goals.
Nicknamed ‘The Smiling Assassin’, Musona was exceptional in helping carry The Warriors through troubled times. His eye for goal left an indelible mark among Zimbabwean football faithful. As such, after Zimbabwe fired blanks against Kenya and Cameroon, calls have been amplified to lure Musona back.
Musona formed a deadly combination with Billiat. The Aces Youth Soccer Academy products, Musona and Billiat, were the driving force in what is, statistically, Zimbabwe’s most successful era.
During their time, The Warriors made three consecutive AFCON appearances at the 2017, 2019 and 2021 editions.
At club level, Musona has featured for the heavyweights Chiefs, Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim, and Anderlecht in Belgium.
He is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al Okhdood Club. Musona has previously played for Al Tai and Al Riyadh.
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