Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat has come out of international retirement ahead of Zimbabwe's crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon next month.
Billiat called time on his international career in 2021, two months before the Africa Cup of Nations, stating that he had decided to retire "to pave the way for new talent to blossom and serve the country".
Following his departure from the national team, The Warriors went on to have a dismal Afcon, getting knocked out in the group stages after finishing at the bottom of group B.
In God we trust pic.twitter.com/BrmaTAdjFK
— Official Khama Billiat (@khama_Billiat11) August 28, 2024
Since then, the Zimbabwean national team has hardly got going, with the southern African nation also missing out on the 2023 Afcon after being banned by FIFA for government interference.
The Warriors are now looking to bounce back from the slump and have seemingly talked Billiat out of retirement as they look to secure qualification for the next edition of the Afcon.
The Zimbabwe Football Association in a brief statement said following fruitful discussions they had officially drafted the 34-year-old veteran back into the national fold.
“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 also released a statement of his own stating that he still had lots offer Zimbabwean football.
“I still feel I have something to offer 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 team.
“I have reconsidered my decision to retire and would love to represent my country one more time,” Billiat said.
IOL Sport