Kaizer Chiefs and former Zimbabwe Warriors star forward Khama Billiat left his countrymen in a quandary when he announced his retirement from international football last month. The shock retirement at 31, has forced the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to beg the talented forward to reconsider his decision and come of international retirement.
Zimbabwe Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare said that the football authorities are still working on persuading Billiat to come out of retirement. According to Mpandare, the Zimbabwe football authorities are considering sending a high powered delegation to South Africa to talk to Billiat face to face.
Speaking to online publication Soccer24, Mpandare said,
“It’s work in progress, we will pay him a visit soon.”
However, Mpandare later clarified on his statement after concerns were raised about the advisability and cost of sending a delegation all the way to South Africa. Some suggested that the meeting should be held virtually instead.
Mpandare said the football authorities are still weighing all the options available to them.
“Visiting him is one of the many options around and virtual is another available we will make a decision on that. We will take the best option available,” he said.
Billiat announced his retirement from international football just 24 hours after the Zimbabwe Warriors drew 1-1 against Ethiopia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to finish last in the group.
The 31-year-old said he was retiring from international football to make way for new talent to blossom, similar to how he had also been given the opportunity to shine.
Khama Billiat has yet to comment on the latest moves to reconsider his decision to stop representing Zimbabwe.-iharare
