The biggest talking point in Zimbabwean football has been the recall of Saudi Arabia based Knowledge Musona to the Zimbabwe national soccer team at the age of 34.
The Silent Assassin — as he is referred to by fans- retired from the national team three years back and his recall took many by surprise if not by shock and some are still battling to understand why.
We obviously value Musona's contribution to the Warriors and to Zimbabwean football as a whole but recalling him from retirement to play for Zimbabwe again was overzealousness on the part of coach Michael Nees.
Surely, how can a country with serious soccer ambitions and such player resources -- scattered all over the world -- reach the extent of persuading a 34-year-old who is playing in a league of retirees to come and play for the national team again ?
The question is: What more does Nees think Musona will offer which the young players he has ignored like Bill Antonio, Tivonge Rushesha and Shumaina Mheuka cannot ?
What is surprising is that the coach took his time to explain that he left out Rushesha and Antonio due to lack of game time but still went on to consider players who last played competitive football in November 2024.
Khama Billiat for example, missed the last part of the 2024 soccer season only to be selected after playing 70 minutes for Scottland against Caps United.
Nees, though, did not explain whether they tried to bring home Chelsea's Mheuka although word is strong that the youngster is willing to come and represent Zimbabwe.
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Honestly, we all agree that the Warriors lack a creative ball distributor to play behind the strikers, but is Musona the right player considering the pace required for that role. ?
Surely, whoever is helping Nees select his players is doing a disservice to the German coach because he is preparing him for failure in both the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, and Afcon 2025.
Honestly, what does Nees and his advisors think Terence Dzvukamanja will offer for the Warriors apart from missing clear cut chances as he has always done before ?
The truth is that Dzvukamanja does not deserve a place in the team and it didnt matter calling as many Scottland players as possible and trying either Lynoth Chikuhwa, or Michael Tapera in place of Dzukamanja. Or even giving Simba Bhora's William Manondo a chance.
Remember Chikuhwa was the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League's top goal scorer in 2024 and Manondo was the top scorer the year before while Tapera proved at the 2024 Cosafa Cup that he can turn half chances into goals if given a chance to play.
What is also surprising in this whole episode is that Nees also selected Luton Town's Marvelous Nakamba and Marumo Gallants' Washington Arubi knowing pretty well that they are out injured.
In qualifying for Afcon 2025 without playing a single game at home, Nees won himself a lot of admirers but should be reminded that in football, one or two mistakes can destroy all the good you did.
As we look forward to the March 20 World Cup Qualifier against Benin, we hope that Nees will get his team selection spot-on so that the Warriors get the three points they so much need.
From the outset, the 2026 World Cup journey looks like it is over for Zimbabwe, but football dictates that it is not over, until it is really over, and Zimbabwe needs to fight on until the last match of the campaign.
*For your views, comments, and suggestions mkariati@gmail.com or WhatsApp on 071 0774 596 or call 0773 266 779.
