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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
AFTER a three-year hiatus, talismanic striker, Knowledge Musona, is back in the Warriors fold, ready to provide invaluable experience and leadership as they face critical World Cup qualifiers.

Musona, who retired from international football in 2022, is eager to help guide Zimbabwe’s younger players while making a strong impact in their bid to turn around a challenging qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

“I am feeling good. Feeling great to be back and looking forward to the upcoming games. I have seen a lot of quality in the team, and I think the future is bright for the Warriors. I am looking forward to helping some of these youngsters and contributing to their development. It’s quite exciting, and I really hope they can come up and represent the national team to the highest level.”

Knowledge Musona

The 35-year-old has been an integral part of Zimbabwe’s footballing history, scoring 24 goals in 49 matches for the national team.

His return to the fold comes at a critical time, with the Warriors languishing at the bottom of Group C in the World Cup qualifiers.

With just two points from four matches, the team faces a daunting task to claw their way back into contention.

However, Musona remains optimistic, emphasising the importance of focusing on the upcoming fixtures.

“In football, anything is possible, and I think the most important thing now is to take three points from the upcoming game and also try and collect points in Nigeria. The focus now has to be on Benin. With the quality in this group, I believe we are capable of collecting maximum points, and it all depends on the work we put in at training.

Personally, I would love to win both games to stay in contention.”

Musona also praised the leadership of coach Michael Nees, who has been at the helm since August 2024.

Michael Nees

“He is a great coach. He is quite clear in terms of his vision and everything he wants to do. I think it’s going to be an exciting journey with him and the crop of players we have,” said Musona.

However, the squad will be without captain Marvelous Nakamba, who is sidelined by injury.

The Warriors will face Benin in Durban tomorrow, with tickets for the match pegged at R50 for the 6pm kick-off, before Zimbabwe meets Nigeria in Uyo on March 25. — @innocentskizoe