Zim drop bombshell on ex-Chiefs icons Billiat and Musona ahead of AFCON
Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2025 group rivals Zimbabwe have taken a dramatic and unexpected direction with the release of their provisional squad — and two former Kaizer Chiefs stars have paid the price.
Newly-appointed Warriors head coach Marian Marinica has named a 51-man provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. The Romanian tactician, who replaced Michael Nees earlier this month, has spent only one international window assessing his options — but he has already made some decisive calls.
Tough AFCON schedule awaits the Warriors
Zimbabwe begin their Group B journey with a blockbuster against Egypt on 22 December at Grand Stade d’Agadir (7 PM CAT).
They then face Angola on Boxing Day in Marrakech, before concluding their group campaign with a high-pressure derby against South Africa on 29 December, also in Marrakech.
Billiat and Musona headline shock omissions
Despite Scottland FC’s sensational league title — the first by a newly promoted club in more than 40 years — their two biggest stars will be watching AFCON from home.
Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, both instrumental in Scottland’s championship-winning campaign and long-standing pillars of Zimbabwean football, have been left out.
Billiat had hoped to feature at AFCON after being brought out of international retirement by former coach Nees. He featured for 87 minutes against Bafana last month and played in the World Cup qualifiers — but Marinica has opted to move on without him. This exclusion likely ends Billiat’s AFCON hopes for the second consecutive tournament.
Musona, who had also come out of retirement last year, is similarly overlooked, suggesting the new technical team is steering the squad into a younger, more energetic direction.
In contrast, former Orlando Pirates striker Terrence Dzvukamanja, also of Scottland FC, has been included.
Surprise return: Mudimu back from retirement
In a twist, defender Alec Mudimu — who last played for Zimbabwe at AFCON 2021 and had announced his international retirement — has been recalled. Now 30 and playing for Welsh side Flint Town United, Mudimu rejoins the setup after three years away.
His return continues the trend of recalling former AFCON 2021 squad members, though unlike Billiat, he has made the cut under Marinica.
Bonne returns after three years
Another notable inclusion is Macauley Bonne, who earns his first provisional call-up in more than three years as Zimbabwe look to rebuild their strikeforce options.
The Full 51-Man Warriors Provisional Squad
Zimbabwe brace for tough Group B campaign
Zimbabwe will battle Bafana Bafana, Egypt and Angola in Group B — one of the most balanced and unpredictable pools of the tournament.
Their schedule:
• Dec 22 – vs Egypt
• Dec 26 – vs Angola
• Dec 29 – vs South Africa
With two of their most experienced figures watching from home, Marinica has signalled a new era — and raised the stakes ahead of their decisive showdown with South Africa.
The Full 51-Man Warriors Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Washington Arubi
Martin Mapisa
Elvis Chipezeze
Nelson Tapiwa Chadya
Donovan Fungai Benard
Defenders:
4. Godknows Murwira
5. Emmanuel Jalai
6. Isheanesu Mauchi
7. John Takwara
8. Munashe Garananga
9. Teenage Hadebe
10. Brendan Galloway
11. Jordan Zemura
23. Divine Lunga
25. Prosper Padera
32. Kevin Moyo
33. Peter Muduhwa
34. Andrew Mbeba
35. Albert Manenji
36. Xolani Ndlovu
37. Abubakar Moffat
40. Joseph Tulani
48. Alec Mudimu
50. Webster Tafa
Midfielders:
12. Jonah Fabisch
13. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya
14. Daniel Msendami
15. Bill Antonio
16. Tawanda Maswanhise
17. Walter Musona
18. Tymon Machope
19. Tawanda Chirewa
20. Marshall Munetsi
21. Marvelous Nakamba
22. Prince Dube
26. Sean Fusire
27. Andrew Rinomhota
38. Junior Makunike
39. Kingsley Mureremba
41. Mthokozisi Msebe
42. Nigel Matinha
44. Emmanuel Ziocha
45. Billy Vheremu
Forwards:
24. Prosper Padera (listed twice in official release)
28. Washington Navaya
29. Macauley Bonne
43. Ishmael Wadi
46. Obriel Chirinda
47. Junior Zindoga
51. Knowledge Musona (included in list but omitted from AFCON plans)
A new era — but without two legends
Marinica’s decisions have sent a clear message: the Warriors are entering AFCON with fresh legs, younger profiles, and a tactical reset — even if that means leaving behind two icons who helped define Zimbabwean football for over a decade.
With Bafana Bafana awaiting them in a decisive final group clash, the omissions of Billiat and Musona add another dramatic layer to Group B’s unfolding storyline.