Warriors Selection War: Katsande’s AFCON Plea Splits Zimbabwe
With AFCON 2025 looming in December, former Warriors captain Willard Katsande has lit a fire under Zimbabwean football by urging the national team to include veterans Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat in the final squad.
The tournament, which kicks off on 21 December in Morocco, has already intensified selection debates and Katsande’s comments, posted on X on 24 October, have sparked fierce reactions across the country.
His call has divided fans over whether experience still matters or if it’s time to pass the torch to younger talent.
Katsande, one of Zimbabwe’s most capped midfielders and a Kaizer Chiefs legend, wrote:
“They still have a ROLE to play in the next AFCON. Great EXPERIENCE which needs protection and support from our people.”
His post quickly gained traction, attracting over 20,000 views and reigniting debate about the role of senior players in the Warriors setup.
Musona, now 35, remains Zimbabwe’s all-time top scorer and recently returned to the national team for World Cup qualifiers, where he scored in key matches.
Billiat, who also came out of retirement last year, has struggled to rediscover his form since joining a club in Scotland earlier this year.
Despite their decorated pasts at Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, critics argue that their current performances no longer meet the demands of top-level international football.
According to iHarare, Katsande’s remarks have sparked a wave of mixed reactions from fans, analysts, and former players.
Some believe Musona’s leadership and experience in high-pressure matches could still be valuable, while others insist the team must now build around younger, more dynamic talent.
@DivhaMoyo commented: “Yes they still have a role but not as starters. Musona is still playing decently… We cannot say the same for Billiat. Mukomana apera hake.”
@Jayamupfumii added: “Maybe Knowledge. Khama no longer as good as he was… Andy Rinemhota is being missed but I think Walter can fill that gap.”
Others, like @zimtechguy, stressed limited minutes: “Yes, but they cannot play a full 90 minutes.”
Not everyone agreed.
@sisamkhabela stated: “If we being honest, they do not. We need to move past these players. Munetsi, Hadebe, Nakamba’s experience is enough.”
@CharlyM__17 was blunt about Billiat’s form:
“Did you see how Khama played vs Namibia, Cameroon, SA and Nigeria? This guy is a legend but we can do without him.”
Zimbabwe has been drawn into Group B for AFCON 2025, alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola — a group widely considered one of the toughest in the tournament.
The Warriors will play their group matches between 22 and 29 December.
CAF’s format allows the top two teams from each group and the best four third-placed teams to advance to the round of 16, giving Zimbabwe a fighting chance if they strike the right balance.
Fan @dchenjerai001 summed up the dilemma: “Experience is good. Equally moving forward is good… Loyalty isn’t always competence.
“May the best team based on merit go out and shine.”
With AFCON fast approaching, Katsande’s call has ensured that the spotlight remains firmly on whether Musona and Billiat will make the final squad and whether they still have what it takes to deliver when it matters most.
