‘Everybody needs him’ – Zimbabwe coach on Musona’s return

By Agencies

Zimbabwe national team head coach Micheal Nees has opened up about persuading Knowledge Musona to return to international football.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and now Saudi Pro League side Al-Okhdood attacker, had stepped away from the national team duty in May 2022 to concentrate on his club career.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Nees included the 34-year-old star to his star-studded team as they aim for qualification to the World Cup.

Nees noted that Musona had the opportunity to return last year when The Warriors secured their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Knowledge could have returned in November last year during the AFCON qualifiers; for your own information, we even processed his visa. However, he is an individual who is not interested in stealing the show,” Nees explained during the squad announcement, as reported by a source.

“The team had just recorded two victories against Namibia. He is not an opportunist but indicated he would be ready to step in only if we had a genuine problem—whether due to injury or suspension affecting any senior players.

“This is why we applied for his visa. That speaks to his positive character, which is exactly what we need. It’s about prioritizing the team and the country, not about ‘put me first.’ We must instill this mentality further because everyone has to pull in the same direction.”

At the time of his retirement, Musona was the team captain. When queried about reinstating the former Kaizer Chiefs forward to the captaincy, Nees stated, “Things don’t change from one day to the next.

“Knowledge’s character does not suggest he would come back and demand the captaincy. Marvelous Nakamba will remain captain, while Marshall Munetsi will serve as the stand-in captain.”

This season, Musona has made a significant impact at Al-Okhdood in Saudi Arabia, accumulating five goals and one assist over 20 appearances.