Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs skipper Willard Katsande, has welcomed Knowledge Musona’s return to the national team set up and backed his successor in the captaincy to help inspire Zimbabwe in their quest for 2026 World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe will host Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, tomorrow, before traveling to Uyo, Nigeria, to face the Super Eagles five days later.
Tomorrow’s game will mark Musona’s official return to the fold after he was persuaded to reconsider his decision to retire from international football by coach Michael Nees.
The Saudi Arabia based forward will no doubt bring in the much-needed experience and cutting edge in the Warriors attack.
His captain at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, Katsande, feels the decision by Nees to include Musona in the side to face Benin and Nigeria is justified.
Katsande, a gritty midfielder, during his playing career at Highway, Gunners, Ajax Cape Town and Kaizer Chiefs believes Zimbabweans should embrace the “Smiling Assassin’ return with excitement.
“Everyone who loves football should be super excited about Musona’s return to the Warriors team,” Katsande said.
“He brings the required experience, having played at the top level for a long time, which can guide the promising talent in the team.
“His return has given the country the much-needed experience because we lacked his kind of intelligence in our previous fixtures.”
Musona has already assumed legendary status in the Warriors having also worn the arm band when Zimbabwe featured red at the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt and at the 2023 tourney in Cameroon.
He is now angling for a record fourth AFCON appearance should Nees retain him in the Warriors at the end of the year when the continental showpiece takes place in Morocco in December.
Musona, who also briefly played in Germany before moving to Belgium, an impressive record of 24 goals in 51 appearances for the Warriors.
He is now expected to combine with young brother Walter in hunting the Benin Cheetahs and the Super Eagles.
Scottland captain Walter Musona scored three goals in his last five Warriors outings.
And Katsande believes Knowledge’s presence will brighten life in the Warriors camp.
“His tank still has a lot to offer the country, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the coach plans to use him tomorrow,” he said.
“We just have to put all our energy into each game as it comes.
“We shouldn’t be bothered about how other teams are playing.
“We just need to win our games and see how it ends.”
Despite the Warriors being anchored at the base of the Group C long table with two points and still chasing their first win, Katsande insists all hope is not lost for Zimbabwe.
“If we can start by winning our fixture against Benin and maybe get a draw against Nigeria, then we are talking about four points plus the two we already have in the bag,” he said.
“We are also going to play against South Africa and I believe they are not difficult to beat.
“I have a lot of faith in our coaching department and I believe they have shown what they can do by qualifying the nation to AFCON finals on their first attempt,” added Katsande.
