By Zim Sport Live Writer
Talismanic forward Khama Billiat has made a sensational return to international football and is now part of the Warriors Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers squad to play Kenya and Cameroon next week.
Billiat quit the Warriors back in November 2021 following the country’s dismall 2022 World Cup qualification campaign.
But an impressive season at local Premiership side Yadah Stars has seen new national team coach Michael Nees convincing the 34-year-old to end his international sabbatical.
Billiat is currently the league’s joint top scorer with 10 goals along with CAPS United’s William Manondo and Tymon Machope of Simba Bhora.
Zifa announced the new development in a statement on Tuesday.
“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.
“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. Billiat and Head Coach Michael Nees, the dynamic forward has been officially added to the national team squad, which was initially announced on Monday,” Zifa said.
Earlier in the day Billiat had released a statement announcing that he is coming out of international retirement.
“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,” Billiat said in a statement.
“Every time I step on the turf, I am motivated to do my best for my team and the thousands who love this sport.
“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,” the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star said.
Zimbabwe begin their Group J 2025 Afcon qualification campaign against Kenya and Cameroon in Uganda.
Warriors Squad
GOALKEEPERS:
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Bernard Donovan (Chicken Inn)
DEFENDERS:
Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Munashe
Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati)
MIDFIELDERS:
Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (CardiN City), Jordan Zemura
(Udinese), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants),
Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
FORWARDS:
Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City), Prince Dube
(Young Africans), Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinum) Khama Billiat (Yadah FC)
TECHNICAL TEAM:
Michael Nees (Head Coach)
Takesure Chiragwi (Assistant Coach)
Pernel McKop (Goalkeepers Coach)
Abraham Mbaiwa (Fitness Trainer)
James Makoni (Performance Analyst)
Nick Munyonga (Team Doctor)
Steve Hungwe (Physiotherapist)
Lennon Gwara (Masseur)
Sharif Mussa (Team Manager)