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Tadious Manyepo in JOHANNESBURG
ZIFA want players, who would have retired from international duty, to publicly announce their availability in the event that they make a U-turn and wish to be selected for national duty again.
This comes after interim Warriors coach, Jairos Tapera, revealed that he wanted to call former captain Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat ahead of the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa.
Both players are currently on international retirement.
But with a lightweight squad at his disposal ahead of the key fixtures in South Africa, Tapera attempted to recall the pair from retirement, along with China-based striker Nyasha Mushekwi.
Musona has been doing well in the Saudi Pro League while Khama Billiat has rediscovered himself at ambitious side Yadah Stars.
The latter has scored four goals in his last six games.
His quality is easily detectable whenever he is on the field of play.
And Tapera, whose club Manica Diamonds attempted, in vain, to counter-offer the 33-year-old when he returned from South Africa, called the player to consider joining the band in South Africa.
As if on cue, Tapera’s charges were not equal to the task in the two games they played in South Africa as they looked very ordinary in both matches.
They lost 2-0 to Lesotho at Orlando Stadium last Friday before playing second fiddle to South Africa at Free State on Tuesday to remain bottom of the six-team Group C after four games.
However, ZIFA have set some conditions for the duo to be considered for future assignments.
The association spokesperson, Mike Madoda, said players who have announced their retirement from international football should also publicly declare their availability before they are called in.
“The association’s position is that players, who have announced publicly their retirement, should also publicly announce that they are back from retirement before they are called for national team duties,” he said.
“That is all we can say for now.
“That is the association’s position right now.”
The Warriors flattered to deceive in their past two assignments and Tapera has made it clear he wants the duo to galvanise the national squad.
The Warriors will return to action in the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.
The development team, made up mainly of locally-based players, will be participating in the COSAFA Cup in Durban next month.
Online Reporter