Bruce Chikuni
WILLARD Katsande feels Khama Billiat is still one of the five best players in Africa and should be convinced to reconsider his decision to retire from international football.
Katsande said the Warriors need Billiat if they are entertaining any hopes of doing well in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
He feels Yadah owner, Prophet Walter Magaya, is the man who can persuade Billiat to come out of international retirement.
Zimbabwe will take on Lesotho and Bafana Bafana in their qualifiers next month.
Magaya battled significant odds to convince Billiat to return home and revive his career.
“I was very worried when Billiat was planning to quit football but I’m happy that Prophet Magaya went out of his way to convince him to join his team.
“That was a power move and I never imagined Billiat making that decision because of his profile, he is in the top five of players who are playing on the continent at the moment.
“This means he is the best Warrior we have and we need him when we play Lesotho and South Africa next month to boost our chances to qualify for the World Cup,” said Katsande.
He is convinced Billiat is still the same player he was when they last played together, two seasons ago, at Kaizer Chiefs.
“I have been following PSL games and watched how he has been playing, I have interacted with coaches, players and analysts and they are all saying Billiat doesn’t deserve to be playing in Zimbabwe.
“This is not a secret because it’s something which everyone knows, the man is talented and the Warriors will have a better chance to qualify if Prophet Magaya talks to him,” he said.
Meanwhile, South Africa have released their provisional squad ahead of these qualifiers.
South Africa Provisional squad
GOALKEEPERS
Ronwen Williams, Bruce Bvuma, Ricardo Goss, Veli Mothwa
DEFENDERS
Sydney Mobbie, Innocent Maela, Given Msimango, Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Thabiso Monyane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mothobi Mvala, Terrence Mashego, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Tapelo Xoki, Thabo Maloisane
MIDFIELDERS
Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Grant Margeman, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams
FORWARDS
Themba Zwane, Patric Maswanganyi, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Mihlali Mayambela, Devin Titus, Mlondi Mbanjwa, Elias Mokwana, Percy Tau, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng