dyton mupawaenda
Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
NEW Warriors coach Michael Nees has scored a huge early goal almost a fortnight before his first assignment.
The German, who was unveiled last week, immediately set out to convince in-form Yadah star Khama Billiat to come out of international retirement.
The 33-year-old is enjoying a new lease of life since returning to the local league at the start of the season after scoring 10 goals in the league and posting five assists.
And Nees, keen to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations decided to engage the talismanic forward to re-consider his position.
The playmaker yesterday announced he was ready to represent the country with ZIFA almost instantly making it public that he had been drafted into the Warriors squad to play in the back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon next month.
The Warriors play Kenya at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda on September 6 before they host Cameroon at the same facility four days later.
ZIFA were forced to settle for the venue as there is no approved stadium in the country to host international matches.
But it is the coming in of a new coach and Billiat that has raised expectations amongst the Zimbabwe football fans.
“This season has been among the best phases of my football career. I have played on grand stages, but nothing beats expressing myself in front of my people. Every time I step on the turf, I am motivated to do my best for my team and the thousands who love this sport,” said Billiat.
“I feel I still have something to give to Zimbabwean football, locally and internationally. I have been reflecting deeply, and I am convinced there is one chapter which remains unfinished – between Khama Billiat and the Zimbabwe national football team I have RECONSIDERED my decision to retire and would love to REPRESENT my country one more time. I will continue to work hard on the field and hopefully help the nation in a positive way. I love my country and stand ready to serve if afforded a chance”.
Billiat hailed Yadah for the role they have played in his revival story.
“I obviously appreciate Yadah and Prophet Walter Magaya for giving me a platform, a conducive one for that matter to showcase myself again,” he added.
“I am really happy to be back and I am keen to help my country in every way possible to do well at the international level.”
And ZIFA immediately revealed that Billiat had been added to the squad which is set to travel to Uganda for next week’s crucial matches.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is thrilled to announce the return of Khama Billiat to the Warriors squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon, slated for September,” ZIFA said in a statement.
“Following fruitful discussions between Khama Billiat and Head Coach Michael Nees the dynamic forward has been officially added to the national team squad, which was initially announced on Monday”.
The Warriors have been struggling without a playmaker in their recent outings and the coming in of Billiat is expected to add some conviction in the squad.
Billiat is currently jointly leading the Premier Soccer League’s scoring charts with 10 goals to his name along with CAPS United’s William Manondo and Tymon Machope of Simba Bhora.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star won the Castle Lager July player of the month, the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe July player of the month and is one of the leading contenders for the soccer star of the year accolade this season.
Meanwhile, former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Pitso Mosimane has hailed Khama Billiat for being one the best talents he has ever worked with in his coaching career.
Pitso was reacting to Billiat winning the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe Player of the Month award for July, which came on top of a similar award for the Premier Soccer League sponsor, Castle Lager.
The former Bafana Bafana coach said Billiat is an all-round player, who was a joy to watch during their time at Sundowns where the Yadah star spent three years.
“Class is permanent. One of the best players I have ever coached. I phoned him for a full year, every week convincing him that I will give him support and platform to showcase his talent and that he is the one to help us win CAF Champions League.
“Scores, assists, recovers, steals lots of balls and very strong on the ball despite his small frame,” he said in a post on X.
Pitso went further to reflect on the good times he had with Billiat.
“His first touch on bringing down an aerial ball was amazing. He really loved H Kekana’s long passes (his goal vs Platinum Stars away). What a player to watch in training more than games.
“I used to put Wayne Arendse on him to sharpen his skills and help him learn how to deal with big defenders. Wayne contributed a lot to his game. What a show I enjoyed in those weekly tactical sessions.
“What a pleasure to watch Percy, Keegan, T Zwane and Khama in one team at training. These guys used to score a lot of goals together. Hence they won all major CAF club trophies in one season playing together in the same team.”
Online Reporter