Musona Zim Afcon Squad Selection Divides Opinion
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Zimbabwe international striker Knowledge Musona selection to the Zimbabwe squad has stirred a hornet’s nest among football analysts, journalists and fans considering that he has been inactive for quite sometime at his Belgian club Anderlecht.
Musona was called up to the Zimbabwean squad for the 2021 Cameroon Afcon qualifiers despite clearly lacking game time and match fitness as former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany who was the player coach for the former Belgian champions froze out the Zimbabwean skipper from the start of the season.
The Zimbabwe Warriors had a poor showing in their Afcon qualifier opener against the Zebras of Botswana where they drew nil all on home soil despite have a largely foreign based contigent in their ranks including Aston Villa midfielder Marvellous Nakamba, Kaizer Chiefs kingpin Khama Billiat, former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshal Munetsi now turning out for France club Stade de Reims and inform Golden Arrows striker Knox Mutizwa.
It is however the inclusion of Musona in the starting line-up that has caused much furore and sent tongues wagging regarding the merits of his selection when he has not been active for his European club.
In fact, if current form was the only basis on which players are selected for national duty, Musona would be nowhere near the Warriors’ dressing room as Zimbabwe prepare to save their campaign with a date against Zambia tomorrow in Lusaka.
His inclusion in this Afcon campaign has torched debate, with some questioning the timing of his recall.
Some are of the opinion that Antipas should have waited for Musona to regain match fitness before recalling him.
But those fighting in Musona’s corner strongly argue that even when not match-fit, the former Kaizer Chiefs’ man is good enough for the Warriors.
Aces Youth Soccer Academy director and coach, Marc Duvillard who is famed for churning out young and talented Zimbabwean stars such as Musona and Billiat among others shared his opinion.
“Maybe he has been called because he is the captain, maybe he will be on the bench and come in and play 20 minutes or so. To put him in the starting eleven might not help. Psychologically, he is not in a good condition.” said Duvillard
Surprising to all was the fact that Musona started and completed the whole match and even went on to captain the side which produced one of their worst performances on home turf.
Since leaving Naturena where he scored 35 league goals in 3 seasons for Chiefs to go and ply his trade in Europe, Musona has really felt to sparkle and has largely been met with mixed fortunes.
By Gerald Dandah
