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Tadious Manyepo, Sports Reporter
LEGEND Peter Ndlovu has hailed the influential role being played by Khama Billiat for the Warriors, while pleading with another forward Knowledge Musona to consider coming out of international retirement.
The former Zimbabwe captain was at Orlando Stadium in South Africa when the Warriors edged Namibia 0-1 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.
Billiat bundled home a penalty kick that made all the difference after 34 minutes.
The 33-year-old Yadah Stars mainstay was making his third appearance for the country since returning from retirement last month.
He played with so much confidence and kept the Namibians on the back foot whenever he got hold of the ball, showing just how much he is still the most important player in the Warriors forward.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward caught the imagination of Zimbabwe’s most capped player having played 100 times for the Warriors.
The team manager for Masandawana straight away took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his appreciation of Billiat.
“Khama (Billiat) your country always needed you. Thanks for returning boy.
“The confidence you instil to the team is unimaginable. The likes of Wales (sic) have vastly been improving and learning from you,” wrote Ndlovu.
Just like the rest of the nation, Ndlovu believes ex-skipper Musona can still add some value in the team and he is hoping to see him back in the national team.
Billiat and Musona introduced themselves in the Warriors squad almost at the same time and their potential was never in doubt.
Forming some solid chemistry, the duo was always carrying the day for the national team which they led to three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2017, 2019 and 2021 (played in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic).
The two would, however, announce their retirement from international duty within a year of each other, Billiat first dropping the bombshell late in 2021 and Musona following suit the following year.
Ironically Musona’s announcement came when the country was on FIFA suspension in 2022 raising suspicion that he might have arrived at the decision due to frustration.
When Billiat shone brightly upon his return in the first two 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon, calls for Musona to consider taking the same U-turn route taken by Billiat intensified.
The Saudi-based player has remained adamant despite incessant efforts to make him come back.
But the Warriors record goalscorer with 38 goals to his name has once again sounded him to come back to the national team fold.
In the same message, the former Coventry City star said he was hoping to see Musona coming back to help Zimbabwe.
Musona has 24 goals to his name in Warriors colours and Ndlovu insinuated that the former Kaizer Chiefs man can beat his own 38 goals for the national team.
“We hope Knowledge (Musona) can give us 10 games so that he surpasses the record goals,” added Ndlovu.
Ndlovu is interacting with the Warriors in South Africa representing funeral services company Zororo-Phumulani which is providing logistical support to the team during their stay across the Limpopo.
The legendary Warriors striker is Zororo-Phumulani’s brand ambassador.
Zimbabwe will face Namibia again at the same venue on Monday with a victory sure to solidify their pursuit for a place in the biannual continental showcase to be staged in Morocco next year.
The team held a recovery session at the Wits University Stadium yesterday morning and they will continue with their preparations today.
Coach Michael Nees will be out to keep it clean after his first three assignments produced two draws and a win on Thursday.
Online Reporter