Khama Billiat joins camp

• Published date: 02 January 2017
• Publication title: The Herald

Khama Billiat

Eddie ChikamhiSenior Sports Reporterand

WARRIORS midfielder Khama Billiat joined camp yesterday while forward Knowledge Musona is expected in today just a day before Callisto Pasuwa names his final African Cup of Nations squad tomorrow.span an

Musona was the only missing member when the squad resumed camp in Harare yesterday to step up their preparations ahead of the weekend departure for the continental football show-piece.

The 26-year old forward missed the first week of training as he was involved in commitments with his Belgian side KV Oostende on Boxing Day.

However, ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela yesterday told The Herald that they are expecting a full house today.

There were indications late yesterday that the resumption of camp could be hit by logistical challenges again after the players maintained that they would not check in at the ZIFA Village and were looking to stay at a city hotel.

"We are happy we have resumed camp and with the exception of Knowledge Musona everyone is here. I needed to be updated on his itinerary but obviously we are expecting him to be in the camp tomorrow (today).

"Khama is also in. He was rested for the first week.

"As you know he had participated in many games in the last year which included the ABSA Premiership, the CAF Champions League and most recently the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. He needed the rest," said Gwesela.

Billiat has been at the centre of intense discussion both on social media and in the mainstream media after pictures of him clubbing were circulated last week.

Although the Mamelodi Sundowns man has been hit hard for his behaviour, Gwesela yesterday said ZIFA will not be drawn to comment into players' private lives.

"As far as we know Khama has joined camp today (yesterday) and we are happy with that. And as I have said before, he had been rested to recover from the effects of that hectic season.

"And whatever he may have done during that period, remember he is an adult who has got his own private life. As an association we don't have jurisdiction over the players' personal lives especially when they are outside national team camp.

"But if we had received a report from the technical team complaining that one of the players had acted in an inappropriate manner during camp, then that was going to be a different issue," said Gwesela.

With Group B opponents Senegal and Algeria having named their 23-men squads at the weekend, Warriors coach Pasuwa is expected to do the same by...