Khama Billiat breaks retirement to rejoin Warriors
His inclusion is expected to bolster a Warriors squad which now has a galaxy of stars plying their trade in Europe’s top leagues
By Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe football star Khama Billiat has broken his retirement from international football to rejoin the Zimbabwe senior men’s team ahead of two crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon next month.
Billiat’s return to the Warriors fold was confirmed in a statement by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on Wednesday after he was persuaded to reconsider his decision by new coach Michael Nees.
Posting on X (Twitter), Billiat said, “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.”
His inclusion is expected to bolster a Warriors squad which now has a galaxy of stars plying their trade in Europe’s top leagues.
The 34-year-old Zimbabwe premiership’s joint top goal scorer and Yadah star turned his back on the Warriors in 2021 citing the need to allow younger players to perform national duty.
“This is probably the heaviest decision I have ever had to take in my life, but it is a decision I make with a patriotic heart,” Billiat said while announcing his retirement at the time.
Zimbabwe will look to Billiat’s experience as they aim for success in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
FULL 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*
MIDFIELDERS:
Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff 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).
