Billiat Retires From Warriors Duty
Merely less than two months before what could have been his third Africa Cup of nations, Khama Billiat has announced his retirement from Zimbabwe national team, with immediate effect.
The 31-year-old star winger, who scored 14 goals in 42 games for the Warriors, made the announcement on social media on Monday night after Captaining the Warriors in the last two World cup qualifiers against South Africa and Ethiopia.
Billiat said it was one of the toughest decision he has ever made, but believes it is time for him to go to pave way for new players in the national team.
This is probably the heaviest decision I have ever had to take in my life, but it is a decision I take with a patriotic heart, ” said Billiat in a statement.
“Like those who had to pave way for our generation of Warriors stars to emerge I have decided to retire from international football.”
Billiat made his Warriors debut in March 2011, in a 1-0 defeat to Mali in an Africa cup of nations qualifiers and rose to become one of the best attacking midfielders of his time.
He made his major tournament debut for Zimbabwe in the Africa cup of nations finals in Gabon 2017 and scored his major tournament goal in a 1-1 draw against Uganda in 2019 Egypt Afcon finals.
“Scoring a goal in the Africa cup of nations finals is one moment I still relieve in my mind, even up to date, ” said Billiat
“It is one of the special moments I have experienced wearing the coveted yellow jersey.
The feeling of scoring in a packed stadium for your nation is inexplicable, ” said Billiat
He represented Zimbabwe at the 2019 Africa cup of nations finals in Egypt, his second and last major tournament with Zimbabwe Warriors.
Although he won only one trophy with Zimbabwe Warriors, the COSAFA Cup in 2018, Billiat will go down in the history as one of the greatest players to ever play for Zimbabwe having played a key role during his time.
He is the fifth all time top goal scorer for the Warriors with 14 goals behind Adam Ndlovu (15), Agent Sawu (16), Knowledge Musona (22) and Peter Ndlovu (36).
