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Knowledge Musona & Khama Billiat of ZimbabweJEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images
Khothatso Leballo

Ex-Bafana Bafana goalkeeper believes former Kaizer Chiefs duo Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat 'will give us a tough time' in crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier even though 'they are not the same players they once were'

The two Warriors players came out of retirement from international football to try and save their country, but Michael Nees' side is already out of contention to go to the World Cup. Having previously played Premier Soccer League football for Amakhosi, they are much familiar with South Africa players and might know what to expect from Hugo Broos' side.

  • Khama Billiat Algeria Zimbabwe AFCON 2017 15012017

    The return of Musona and Billiat

    Bafana Bafana face Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

    They come up against the Warriors, who have two veteran players, Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, who were forced to come out of retirement from international football and are also playing together for Scottland FC in their home country.

    Former Bafana goalkeeper John Tlale has warned that Musona and Billiat can make life difficult for South Africa, although they are no longer at their best.

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  • Khama Billiat, Zimbabwe, 2024Backpagepix

    'Billiat and Musona have already had their time'

    "We are still in control because both of these Bafana Bafana games are at 'home', and I believe we will win them without putting ourselves under unnecessary pressure," Tlale told KickOff.
    "Despite losing three points in our last game, I still believe the spirit within the team is very high. We will qualify.  “Although Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners might not be available, that's the nature of a national team, not a club. We have enough players to fill their roles. There are no stars in the national team – all the players are among the best," added Tlale, who also played for Mamelodi Sundowns.
    "Yes, the games are going to be tough, but Billiat and Musona may have already had their time. They might not be the same players they once were. They will give us a tough time, but at the end of the day, we will secure the three points."

  • Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.BackpagePix.

    Musona & Billiat impact not yet felt

    The return of Musona and Billiat has not saved the Warriors from failing to qualify for the World Cup, and they have not made any impact.

    But both at 35, the players' experience might hurt Bafana's World Cup ambitions at a time when they might be ruled out as spent forces.

    This is a match Zimbabwe go into with nothing to lose, having not won a single match in eight World Cup qualifiers. 

  • Knowledge Musona of Zimbabwe during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals.BackpagePix.

    What comes next?

    While Bafana are playing to go to the World Cup, at stake for Musona and Billiat is to pacify Warriors fans who are now doubting their importance in the national team.

    The two ex-Chiefs players would also want to show that they deserve to go to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, although that might be at the expense of South Africa.