Former Kaizer Chiefs enforcer Willard Katsande has sparked an intense national debate after urging Zimbabwe to recall veteran stars Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. His remarks, posted on October 24, quickly set social media ablaze, splitting opinions among fans who remain deeply divided over whether the two former Warriors should feature again on the continental stage.
Katsande, one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated footballers and a Kaizer Chiefs legend with over a decade of service at the South African club, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his belief that the pair still have something special to offer.
“They still have a ROLE to play in the next AFCON. Great EXPERIENCE which needs protection and support from our people,” Katsande wrote.
Within hours, the post had gained more than 20,000 views, drawing thousands of reactions from fans, journalists, and former players. Katsande’s argument centered on the belief that the experience of seasoned professionals like Musona and Billiat could prove invaluable in navigating the psychological and tactical challenges of a high-stakes tournament such as AFCON.
Musona, 35, remains Zimbabwe’s all-time top scorer and has continued to play at a competitive level, featuring prominently in the Warriors’ recent World Cup qualifiers, where he scored crucial goals. In contrast, Khama Billiat, who once dazzled fans across the continent with his creativity and speed at Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, has struggled to recapture his past brilliance since moving to Scotland earlier this year.
Despite his dip in form, Katsande insisted that both players’ leadership and game intelligence could make the difference for a young Warriors squad facing an uphill battle in Group B of AFCON 2025. Zimbabwe will lock horns with Egypt, South Africa, and Angola — a group many have already branded the “group of death.”
But as soon as Katsande’s post went viral, the football community was split down the middle. Some fans backed his call, especially regarding Musona, arguing that experience still has a place in modern football.
Katsande Ignites Debate Over Musona and Billiat’s AFCON 2025 Comeback
User @DivhaMoyo commented:
“Yes they still have a role but not as starters. Musona is still playing decently — he does have a shout to start. We cannot say the same for Billiat. Mukomana apera hake (the young man is finished).”
Another fan, @zimtechguy, echoed that sentiment, suggesting that both players could still contribute — in moderation.
“Yes, but they cannot play a full 90 minutes. There are a few games I saw them holding back the team,” he noted.
However, a significant number of fans rejected Katsande’s view, arguing that Zimbabwe must move beyond its past heroes and build a team for the future.
@sisamkhabela wrote bluntly:
“If we’re being honest, they do not. We need to move past these players. Munetsi, Hadebe, Nakamba’s experience is enough.”
Another user, @CharlyM__17, pointed to Billiat’s recent struggles on the pitch:
“Did you see how Khama played vs Namibia, Cameroon, SA, and Nigeria? This guy is a legend but we can do without him. He almost missed the penalty too. Maswanhise is way above his level right now.”
The debate has reignited broader questions about the balance between experience and youth in Zimbabwean football. While some believe that Musona’s calm presence and tactical awareness could steady a youthful Warriors squad, others argue that the pace and endurance required for AFCON demand fresher legs.
According to CAF’s tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams — meaning Zimbabwe still has a realistic shot at progression. But fans and analysts alike agree that achieving this will require precise tactical discipline and unity, something that veterans like Musona might help reinforce.
Katsande’s call also comes at a time of transition for the Warriors, following the recent sacking of coach Michael Nees, whose tenure ended after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. With a new coach yet to be named, the team’s direction remains uncertain — adding fuel to the debate about whether the national side should rely on tried-and-tested veterans or invest fully in emerging talent.
For supporters of Musona and Billiat, experience remains the intangible asset that could guide younger players under pressure. “Experience is good. Equally, moving forward is good and accepting that circumstances have changed. Loyalty isn’t always competence. May the best team based on merit go out and shine. Go Warriors Go,” one fan summed up on Facebook.
With AFCON 2025 scheduled to kick off in Morocco from December 22 to 29, speculation over Zimbabwe’s final squad list continues to dominate headlines. Whether Katsande’s passionate plea will influence the selectors remains to be seen, but his comments have undeniably rekindled national conversation about respect, legacy, and the delicate balance between experience and evolution in Zimbabwean football.
As the Warriors prepare for their toughest AFCON group in years, all eyes will be on whether Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat — once the golden boys of Zimbabwean football — will get one last dance on Africa’s biggest stage.
