The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Warriors captain, Knowledge Musona has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.
Musona informed the nation that he was calling time on playing for his country through a statement release on Thursday.
Since he made his debut in March 2010 against South Africa, The Smiling Assassin as Musona is affectionately known played 49 matches and scored 24 times.
Knowledge Musona taking a corner kick
Below is the full statement released by Musona:
Dear Zimbabwean Family, It is with a heavy heart that I officially announce my retirement from national duty with our beloved national football team, the Warriors. It is a decision that I do not take lightly after representing our beloved country for 12 years, starting with my first appearance on 3rd of March 2010, in a game versus South Africa.
My time with the Warriors has been an incredible and rewarding journey that I am thankful to have had the opportunity to undertake, one that I only dreamt of achieving early on in my professional career. I will cherish every moment that I have spent as a member of the team. I am retiring to concentrate on my career at the club level and to afford my other teammates and rising stars the opportunity to represent our beloved country.
Over the course of my football career with the Warriors, I have been truly blessed in both the low moments and many wonderful highlights. I will forever look back with great pride on every occasion I represented Zimbabwe having played over 45 games for the team through international friendly matches, Cosafa Cup games, AFCON qualifiers and tournaments, and World Cup Qualifiers. Mostly, I take immense pride to have captained the team for nearly 5 years. None of this would have been entirely possible without the support of several instrumental people, whom I wish to thank. Firstly, and foremost, I would like to thank the Lord Almighty for the love and blessings He showers me with each day of my life. Secondly, thank you to my wonderful family.
I do not have enough words to thank you for your unwavering support and prayers. You are a priceless gift, greater than anything I can imagine. For the unending support received from ZIFA and the national team coaches (past and present) who believed in me and offered me the platform to reach my full potential throughout my career and as captain, I will always be grateful. Looking back over the years that I have proudly represented the Zimbabwe Warriors; I feel fortunate to have played alongside some outstanding players. A special thank you to all the former captains for helping me develop into the player I am today. To my current teammates, thank you for accepting me as your leader. Last but not least a massive and heartfelt thank you to all the supporters and fans that have carried me, supported, motivated me through this journey, and been by my side in all the challenges.
My hope, as is for many, is that those charged with the management of our beautiful game and its continuous development across all spheres work together for the greater good of our national team, our international and regional participation, and investment in up-and-coming talent that is abundant in our country. I look forward to others being afforded the opportunities that I have had to don the colours of the Warriors and successfully represent us on the world stage. I wish the Warriors all the best in the future as they continue carrying the flame for our country. I remain available for and close to the Warriors to assist in any capacity where I can. My Profound Regards, Knowledge Musona (aka Smiling Assassin)
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