Zimbabwean coach Michael Nees has acknowledged the vital impact Khama Billiat had on the national team during their successful qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Warriors secured their spot with one match to spare, finishing second in Group J with nine points from five games, trailing leaders Cameroon by two points.
Billiat, who retired from international football in 2021 to pave the way for emerging talent, made a sensational return earlier this year. His comeback coincided with Zimbabwe’s qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon, where he played a pivotal role. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star’s creative prowess shone as he assisted the goal that sealed Zimbabwe’s ticket to AFCON during their match against Kenya in Polokwane.
Coach Nees described Billiat as the “missing creative heart” of the team. To bring him back, the Zimbabwe Football Association had to meet specific conditions that reflected Billiat’s high standards for professionalism. These included ensuring well-organized logistics, from hotel arrangements to player selection processes. Nees explained, “They don’t want to come back only to retire again because of unprofessionalism. Players like Khama demand that everything—from travel plans to match preparations—is done to a high standard.”
Nees praised Billiat’s ability to influence games and highlighted his importance behind the strikers, describing him as a difference-maker. His presence was instrumental in addressing the team’s lack of creativity, which Nees observed during earlier matches. With Billiat back, Zimbabwe now heads to Morocco with renewed confidence and hopes for a strong performance on the continental stage.
