WCQ: Billiat announces shock international retirement
Kaizer Chiefs striker Khama Billiat has announced he will retire from international football with immediate effect just two months before Zimbabwe compete at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The timing of the retirement is curious but perhaps indicative of issues within the national team that could see a number of their top stars ditch the Warriors either before or after those finals.
The 31-year-old did not give reasons for his decision, except to say that it was time to allow a new generation of players to come through, but coach Norman Mapeza will be livid at losing one of his key attacking weapons ahead of a major continental finals.
“It was all a dream. When I was young, I always dreamt of representing the country, playing for the national team,” Billiat said in a statement on Monday. “The dream which seemed far-fetched for a young Khama in Mufakose came when I least expected it.
“The first day I donned the Warriors badge, I vowed to enjoy myself and always lift the country’s spirits. Scoring a goal at the Africa Cup of Nations finals is one moment I still relive in my mind even up to date.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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“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.
“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.”
Zimbabwe will take on Senegal, Guinea and Malawi in Group B in Cameroon.