Warriors coach Michael Nees has announced that he is in discussions with former national team captain Knowledge Musona to convince him to come out of international retirement. Musona, 34, currently playing in Saudi Arabia, declared his retirement from national duty on May 19, 2022.
Nees described the talks with Musona as “positive” but emphasized that the forward needs to regain full fitness after suffering an adductor muscle injury earlier this year. He stated (via The Sunday Mail):
“I have been in contact with Knowledge for about two months, but the timing must be right. Musona has had a long recovery from his injury and is just now returning to full fitness. At his age, it’s important to ensure he is in good shape, especially with two international matches scheduled in a short span.
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We shouldn’t pressure him; he has valid points, and rushing could backfire. When the time is right, we must respect whatever decision he makes. I watch all his games, and he remains a very good player.”
Musona has scored 24 goals in 49 appearances for the Warriors over his 12-year career, including a historic hat-trick in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia on June 11, 2017. He is one of only four players to have achieved a hat-trick for the national team, alongside Peter Ndlovu, Vitalis Takawira, and Ovidy Karuru.
Calls for Musona’s return have increased following Khama Billiat’s recent comeback from international retirement, as Billiat participated in the Warriors’ latest AFCON qualifiers. Zimbabwe has struggled offensively, failing to score against Kenya and Cameroon in their opening two AFCON qualifiers earlier this month. The Warriors will face Namibia in back-to-back matches in October as they pursue AFCON qualification.
