Zimbabwe Coach Addresses Selecting Khama Billiat and 5 Scottland FC Players for World Cup Qualifiers

Zimbabwe national team coach Michael Nees has justified his decision to include Khama Billiat and five other Scottland FC players in the Warriors squad, despite the local Premier Soccer League season only recently kicking off.

Billiat, who missed Scottland FC’s first match of the 2025 season against Triangle United due to an undisclosed injury, made an immediate impact upon his return. He played a key role in his team’s 2-0 victory over Caps United at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, March 9, assisting Tymon Machope’s opening goal before being substituted in the second half.

Scottland FC has the highest representation in the Warriors squad, contributing six players: Billiat, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira, Mthokozisi Msebe, Tymon Machope, and Walter Musona.

Explaining his selections, Nees highlighted the club’s extensive pre-season preparation.

“They (Scottland) had a good pre-season in Zambia, two or three weeks, Simba Bhora, and they were also in South Africa,” said the Warriors coach.

Nees also defended his decision to call up Simba Bhora defender Isheanesu Mauchi for the first time. The 22-year-old, the youngest defender in the squad, impressed the coach with his performances last season.

“Mauchi was a regular for Simba Bhora last season and played a crucial role in their championship win. He has a good defensive record and has shown versatility by playing wing-back,” said Nees.

The coach added that Simba Bhora’s pre-season training camp in South Africa helped reinforce his decision to include Mauchi.

For Mauchi, the call-up is a dream come true.

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