‘It feels good to be back’ – Musona speaks ahead of emotional date vs Chiefs in Toyota Cup
Scottland FC forward Knowledge Musona has opened up about his emotional return to face Kaizer Chiefs, on Sunday at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg— wearing different colours, but with the same feelings.
The former Amakhosi talisman, now 36 and leading the line for Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC alongside Khama Billiat, described facing the Soweto giants in the Toyota Cup as “a massive honour”.
For Chiefs supporters who remember the ‘Smiling Assassin’, it’s a full-circle moment 12 years in the making. The match is slated for Sunday, 26 July at 15:00 at FNB Stadium.
IT’S A GREAT HONOUR SAYS KNOWLEDGE MUSONA
Musona and coach Norman Mapeza faced the media on Friday at The Naturena ahead of the third edition of the Toyota Cup and didn’t hold back on what Chiefs meant to him.
“As for me, it’s a great honour; it feels good to be back. This was my first home outside Zim, and I’m so grateful to Kaizer Chiefs because they gave me the platform when I was young to showcase my talent.
“And from here I went abroad, so I’m very happy and very honoured to be back here and playing against the team that gave me [the platform],” he said.
Scottland FC coach Norman Mapeza and Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz at the Toyota Cup press conference at Kaizer Chiefs village. Picture by Kaizer Chiefs
He arrived at Naturena as a raw teenager from Aces Youth Soccer Academy in 2009, and left as one of the most feared strikers in the PSL.
Visibly moved at the press conference, Musona said without the initial faith shown by Kaizer Chiefs, his career may never have reached Europe.
His record in the gold and black of South Africa’s Glamour Boys stands out — 40 goals and 13 assists in 88 appearances.
After Chiefs sold him to TSG Hoffenheim in 2011, he returned on loan in 2013/14 and added another 16 goals. From there it was Belgium with KV Oostende and Anderlecht, then a stint in the Saudi Pro League before coming home to join Scottland.
WHAT THE TOYOTA CUP MEANS FOR KNOWLEDGE MUSONA AND CREW
The Toyota Cup’s clash is not just an invitational match for Musona, but a chance to prove he still has the predatory instincts that once tormented PSL defenders.
Scottland will also feature Musona’s brother Walter and fan favourite Khama Billiat. In the technical team, Peter Ndlovu is team manager with Mapeza as head coach — a man who knows SA football from Chippa United.
For Scottland, it’s a statement game ahead of their maiden CAF Champions League campaign, as well as their bid to defend the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
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