Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KNOWLEDGE MUSONA and Khama Billiat’s reunion at Scottland has sent the club’s fans into Dreamland and also sparked excitement for coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who is relishing the opportunity of unleashing the lethal duo on his Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opponents.
Scottland ended any doubts their opponents and critics may have had about their championship ambitions when they unveiled easily the marque signing of the domestic Premiership by luring former Warriors skipper Knowledge to the top-flight debutants.
The former Kaizer Chiefs talisman is now expected to help Scottland fend off the title challenge from rival teams and cross the line to land the ultimate prize in the domestic game.
Apart from Billiat, the Smiling Assassin will also link up with his brother Walter and Terrence Dzvukamanja with whom he has played on his recent return to the Warriors under coach Michael Nees.
But there is no doubting that the spotlight will be on the Knowledge-Khama reunion.
In a move tipped to set domestic football alight, the two Aces Youth Academy graduates, who dazzled fans for over a decade in national team colours, are poised to play together at club level for the first time following Knowledge’s sensational return home to wind down the clock on his playing career with the free-spending Mabvuku side.
Knowledge could immediately be thrust in the thick of things, with Ndiraya facing a daunting task in the high-stakes, top-of-the-table clash against title rivals FC Platinum at Mandava on Saturday.
His signing and unveiling on Monday reignited memories of the formidable combination he formed with Billiat and the impact they made with the national team in the last 15 years.
Knowledge’s young brother Walter is currently the Scottland skipper.
“Knowledge is coming back. If we all recall, there was a time when the nation was on the shoulders of the two players, Knowledge and Khama.
“So, I think that was the whole idea of us bringing Knowledge into the team so that they can link up again with Khama Billiat and hopefully (rekindle) that partnership.
“Then of course Knowledge and his younger brother Walter; I hope that those two combinations will really bring something to the team.
“And if you may recall, I think in our last international friendly matches, they also played like that. So, we are relishing that opportunity to see them lining up like that in our next matches,” said Ndiraya.
Musona and Billiat (both 35) were nurtured at Aces Youth Academy from their teenager years and played together in the national age group teams.
But they went separate ways when Knowledge was bought by South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in 2009 to kick-start a professional career that also saw him playing in Germany, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
After leaving Chiefs, Musona played for TSG Hoffenheim and Augsburg (on loan) in the German Bundesliga before returning for a second stint at Chiefs in 2013.
He then moved to Belgium where he played for Oostende, Anderlecht, Lokeren and KAS Eupen.
This was followed by a spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Tai, Al-Riyadh and Al-Okhdood.
Musona’s return home marks the first time he will play in Zimbabwe’s Premiership.
His arrival signals Scottland’s intent to dominate competition.
“I’m sure Knowledge is bringing some leadership into the team. Not just some leadership.
“I think the whole nation must be excited to watch Knowledge in our Premier League.
“I think when he started, he went straight to South Africa from our First Division. I don’t know how many years now he’s been playing outside the country.
“But the fact that he decided to come back and play in our league is a very huge plus on our league.
“Probably one of the most decorated players for the Warriors, for our national team. We are so excited as a team.
“I’m very excited as a coach. Because in terms of leadership, you know that you don’t have much work. But Knowledge will be there to guide all the youngsters with all the experience that he has,” said Ndiraya.
In his pathway Billiat had a brief stint at CAPS United before crossing the borders to South Africa where he enjoyed an illustrious career with clubs such as Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs. He then returned home to join Scottland, who however, immediately loaned him to Yadah Stars as they were still in the Northern Region Soccer League.
But the pair always cherished memorable get-togethers in the national team, leading the Warriors to three straight AFCON qualifications in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
However, it is uncertain whether the long-awaited reunion will happen at Mandava this weekend, as Billiat is still recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of action for the past three weeks, missing four league assignments.
Billiat watched from the terraces as the Mabvuku side edged Yadah 1–0 at Rufaro on Monday with the triumph reigniting their title push.
The win propelled Scottland into second place on the log with 43 points from 23 matches, just one be-hind leaders Simba Bhora and the outcome of their game against FC Platinum will have a huge bearing on their ambitions.
“Of course, Khama has been injured.
“He’s been nursing an injury, an ankle injury for that matter. But we will assess him when we go back to the training ground. We will assess him and see the progress that he has made so far,” said Ndiraya.
