Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
ZIFA have confirmed that they will be engaging Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat to come out of retirement as they prepare for the Afcon finals early next year.
Billiat decided to call time on his international career last month after the Zimbabwe horror show in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Zimbabwe ended bottom of Group G, having only picked up one point in their draw with South Africa.
Billiat has spent over a decade playing for the Warriors but shook the nation with his sudden retirement.
His decision prompted noise from the football fraternity with many calling for Zifa to have a sit down with the former Mamelodi Sundowns star.
“The board reiterated its commitment as was resolved in its Board meeting on 15 November for two Board Members and National Team Manager to be deployed to engage this Warrior for a possible change of heart regarding coming out of retirement for 2022 Afcon tournament.
It is the desire of the Board that the best of the Warriors be in Cameron for the tournament and the presence of Khama will in no doubt add firepower in the team,” read a statement from Zifa.
“The Board also appeal to our media to support the current crop of our dedicated players who have selflessly given everything to their nation, unwarranted criticism on this group which have done so much for their country in difficult circumstances may be unwarranted and scare away players from national duty.
We hope the Warrior will heed the call of the Board and his fellow countrymen and reconsider.”
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs have confirm the closure of their Naturena base after suffering in the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kaizer Chiefs have written to Premier Soccer League requesting for the postponement of their next five fixtures after the club suffered 31 positive Covid-19 cases.
In a statement on their official website, Amakhosi confirmed feeling the effects of the fourth wave in Naturena and have written to have their fixtures in December against Cape Town City on (December 4), Golden Arrows (December 8), Sekhukhune FC (December 12), Royal AM (December 19) and Maritzburg United (December 22) postponed.-@innocentskizoe
Online Reporter