Ex-Chiefs’ Musona explains decision to retire early from international football
The Zimbabwean-born striker Knowledge Musona has explained his decision to retire as a Zimbabwe international at the age of 31. Musona has been playing for the Warriors since 2010, meaning, he has been with the national team for 12 years.
Musona has followed Billiat who also decided to retire from international football at the age of 31 by the end of 2021. The former Kaizer Chiefs, as the captain of the Warriors was still expected to lead the national team for a long time to come.
“It is with a heavy heart that I officially announce my retirement from national duty with our beloved national football team, the Warriors. It’s a decision that I did not take lightly after representing our beloved country for 12 years, starting with my first appearance on March 3, 2010, in a game against South Africa,” said Musona.
“My time with the Warriors has been an incredible and rewarding journey that I am thankful to have the opportunity to undertake, one that I only dreamt of achieving early in my professional career. I cherish every moment that I spent as a member of the team.”
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“I am retiring to concentrate on my career at the club and to afford my other teammates and rising stars the opportunity to represent our beloved country. Over the course of my football career with the Warriors, I have been truly blessed in both the low moments and many wonderful highlights,” he added.
The Smiling assassin, as he affectionately known, featured in three Africa Cup of Nations with Zimbabwe. The Warriors will have to find the replacements of Musona and Billiat in-front of goal especially as they’re preparing for AFCON qualifiers to start in June.
Although, he wasn’t specific of why he retired but Billiat also write an emotional farewell letter for Zimbabwe: “I have met so many teammates, coached at the national team and I appreciate every relationship I have built along the way. By playing for the Warriors, I have improved immensely as a player [and] it is an opportunity I will forever cherish,” he said.
“However, every story no matter how beautiful has an ending. This is probably the heaviest decision I have ever had to take in my life, but it is a decision I make with a patriotic heart.
“Like those who had to pave way for our generation of Warriors stars to emerge, I have decided to retire from international football. I believe it is now time for me to pave way for new talent to blossom and serve the country in the same way that I did, or even better.
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“I will forever be indebted to those who took chance on me and moulded me into the international player I grew to become. Thank you, Zimbabwe for supporting me and my teammates, for showing love with each outing. God bless you,” he added.
