Langton Nyakwenda
AFTER Khama Billiat’s sensational comeback to the national team, fans have been wondering if his erstwhile “partner- in-crime’’ and former skipper Knowledge Musona could be persuaded into making a similar decision.
The fans could be delighted to learn that efforts are underway to lure the Saudi Arabia-based forward back, as revealed by Warriors coach Michael Nees to Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The German coach has been in touch with Musona, who retired from national duty on May 19, 2022 and, according to Nees, the talks are progressing well.
There were reports in April this year that Musona was contemplating a return to the Warriors, but nothing official was announced.
Musona’s return now looks imminent, as Nees has made it a priority to engage the ex-Kaizer Chiefs talisman.
“I am in contact with Knowledge (Musona), already two months now, but the moment must be right,” Nees said.
Musona is now 34 and plays for an unheralded side called Al Okhdood, but there are many Zimbabwean fans and football analysts who feel that, just like Billiat, he still has a lot to offer to the Warriors.
He scored 24 goals in 49 appearances for the Warriors in a 12-year stint that saw him bang a historic hat-trick in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia at the National Sports Stadium on June 11, 2017.
He is one of the four players to have scored a hat-trick for the Warriors.
The others are Peter Ndlovu, Vitalis Takawira and Ovidy Karuru.
Musona has fully recovered from an adductor muscle injury incurred early this year and has scored one goal in three appearances for Al Okhdood in the current season.
He played 90 minutes when his side drew 0-0 against Al-Qadsiah on September 19.
“Musona has also had a long injury, an adductor muscle injury, and he is only coming back to full fitness now. Remember, he is also not the youngest anymore,” said Nees.
“He needs to be and wants to be back to full fitness. When he comes back, if he comes back, then that’s it.
“But we are in good talks. The talks are good, I can tell you, but the time is not yet right. And that has nothing to do with him really, I am just telling you.
“I think he didn’t have a game for three months and then he is just starting again now.
“At this age you also need to be careful. You need to make sure you are in good shape because we play two international matches in about four days.”
Zimbabwe fired blanks against Kenya and Cameroon in their opening two AFCON qualifiers early this month.
They created a number of chances against the Indomitable Lions, but they lacked the killer punch.
This gave ammunition to voices calling for Musona’s return.
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“But we must not put pressure on people. They also have valid points and we must not pressurise because it might backfire,” said Nees.
“When the time is right, whatever decision is made, we have to accept it.
“It’s simple, this way or that one, we have to respect his (Musona’s) decision. I watch all his games; very good player he is, believe me.
“We are in good talks. Just have a little bit of patience, until we can really say this is the right time. But we have to respect also his point of view.”
Zimbabwe’s road to Morocco 2025 began with a goalless draw against Kenya at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala on September 6.
They played another goalless draw against Cameroon, at the same venue, four days later.
“Goals will come; we just have to be patient. Cameroon are giants, but they also didn’t score against us.
“They scored an offside against Namibia, but are they panicking? No,” said Nees.
Zimbabwe will play Namibia in back-to-back fixtures in October, hoping to recover lost ground, as they are now on two points, while Cameroon and Kenya are on four each.
And Nees is hoping to welcome back Luton Town midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, who has recovered from a knee injury.
He has been monitoring the skipper’s progress.
“It looks good, but it’s still two weeks before we play Namibia, so you never know, but for now, it looks good,” said Nees.
“You can never tell what could happen over the weekend, but what is clear is that Marvelous (Nakamba) is a very skilful player, a very intelligent player.
“When I prepared for the interview for this Warriors job, I had to also research a lot about Zimbabwe’s top players, and he is one player I tracked.
“I also had to watch all the games featuring players from the current team, and, of course, I went back to the last World Cup qualifiers.
“Nakamba’s recovery from injury has a positive effect. Those who were there in the previous games against Cameroon and Kenya did well in central midfield.
“But like I said, we must see what happens in the next two weekends. A lot can happen and we hope that none of our players gets injured. We want to have them all.”
The 30-year-old Nakamba has so far played 128 minutes for Luton Town in the 2024/2025 English Championship since he returned from injury.
