Khama Billiat’s potential return to the Zimbabwe national football team faced a setback when the former Kaizer Chiefs player hesitated to publicly confirm his decision to come out of retirement, as reported by Soccer24.
The 33-year-old winger, who recently joined Yadah FC after a successful career in South Africa, had retired from international football in November 2021.
Despite hinting at a possible comeback when he was unveiled by Yadah, Billiat’s status remained uncertain.
According to a source at the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), Billiat was considered for the Warriors squad in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. However, the lack of a public announcement regarding his retirement reversal complicated the selection process.
“Of course Khama Billiat was wanted in the Warriors squad. Everybody has seen how good he still is. He is a player of so much quality. However, the fact that he didn’t publicly say he has come out of retirement made things difficult,” said the source.
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“Also, remember that the coach (Jairos Tapera) was close to signing Billiat (at Manica Diamonds) before the he eventually settled for Yadah, so it’s obvious he know how good the player is.
“Those close to him tried to persuade him to even just post on social media that he is coming out of retirement, but he refused.
“Those close to him said he (Billiat) was interested in playing for the Warriors again, but what he didn’t want was the possibility of announcing that he was coming out of retirement then go on to miss out on the squad,” added the source.
Warriors squad to face Lesotho and South Africa
GOALKEEPERS
Bernard Donovan (Chicken Inn)
Martin Mapisa (Dynamos FC)
Godfrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds)
DEFENDERS
Gerald Takwara (Ohod FC)
Teenage Hadebe (Konyaspor)
Brendan Galloway
(Plymouth Argyle)
Munashe Garananga (KV Mecheleen)
Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders)
Godknows Murwira (Caps United)
Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield)
Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
MIDFIELDERS
Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims)
Andy Rinomhota (Rotherham United)
Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
Walter Musona (Simba Bhora)
Daniel Msendami (Jwaneng Galaxy)
Tivonge Rushesha (Reading)
Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday)
Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester City)
FORWARDS
Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes)
Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City) Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora)
