Yadah forward Khama Billiat announces he is coming out of international retirement and makes himself available for selection by Warriors new coach Michael Nees

DSE Football News Network

HARARE – Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has confirmed the return of Khama Billiat to the Warriors squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon in September.

The DSE Football News Network is reporting that Billiat, 34, who retired from international football in November 2021, has rejoined the national team following discussions with Head Coach Michael Nees, ZIFA said in a Wednesday statement.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns forward will be a key addition to the squad, which was initially announced on Monday.

Billiat’s inclusion comes after a nearly three-year absence from the national team, during which he cited the need to pave the way for new talent. “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 at the time of his retirement.

Zimbabwe will look to Billiat’s experience as they aim for success in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

The full squad for the qualifiers includes notable players such as Marshall Munetsi of Stade de Reims, Jordan Zemura of Udinese, and Tinotenda Kadewere of FC Nantes. The team will report for camp in Kampala on Sunday, 1 September, to prepare for the crucial matches against Kenya and Cameroon.

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).