Katsande fears Billiat might retire

Bruce Chikuni Sports Reporter

WARRIORS and Kaizer Chiefs legend, Willard Katsande, fears fellow countryman, Khama Billiat, might be forced to retire from football if he fails to secure a club this year.

Katsande, who is now concentrating on his clothing label, Boss Ya Mboka, in South Africa, told Zimpapers Sports that he would have wanted Billiat to come out of international retirement.

He believes that this is the Warriors’ best opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and Billiat can have a significant impact on their cause.

Billiat left Amakhosi after the end of the 2022/23 DSTV Premiership campaign and has been jobless since.

There were hopes Billiat would join SuperSport United after attending their training session last week but there have not been any updates since the publicised appearance. Katsande has a genuine concern as he spent four seasons with Billiat in his lengthy stay in Mzansi.

They spent one season at Ajax Cape Town and were reunited at Kaizer Chiefs, where they played together for three seasons.

Katsande believes Billiat should also take inspiration from what Themba Zwane is doing for Bafana Bafana at the ongoing AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

Zwane, who is 34 years old, has been providing the shield that has enabled Bafana Bafana to progress from the tournament’s second stage.

“I respect Billiat, and I will never question his decisions.

“But I fear that if he remains without a club for an extended period, it might lead him to make a decision that will shock many, and I’m not ready to wake up to the news of his retirement.

“We need him back as soon as possible. He is an inspiration to youngsters, not only in Zimbabwe and South Africa but on this continent.

“He should also do me a favour and come out of retirement from international football because we need him. This is our golden opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” said Katsande.

He added:

“He should also feel challenged by what this group of Bafana Bafana players is doing.

“Everyone knows what he is capable of, and we need him to use his experience to lead the Warriors.”