Knowledge Musona
Knowledge Musona (born 21 June 1990) is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who plays as a left winger or forward for Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Professional League, and captains the Zimbabwe national team. Previously, he has played senior football in South Africa, Belgium and Germany.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 June 1990 | ||
| Place of birth | Norton, Zimbabwe[1] | ||
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)[1] | ||
| Position(s) | Left winger, forward[1] | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Al-Riyadh | ||
| Number | 11 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2005–2006 | Manyame FC | ||
| 2006–2007 | Haka United | ||
| 2007–2009 | Aces Youth Soccer Academy | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2009–2011 | Kaizer Chiefs | 49 | (19) |
| 2011–2014 | 1899 Hoffenheim | 16 | (0) |
| 2012–2013 | → Augsburg (loan) | 14 | (0) |
| 2013–2014 | → Kaizer Chiefs (loan) | 19 | (8) |
| 2015–2018 | Oostende | 104 | (35) |
| 2018–2021 | Anderlecht | 8 | (1) |
| 2019 | → Lokeren (loan) | 6 | (1) |
| 2020–2021 | → Eupen (loan) | 31 | (9) |
| 2021–2023 | Al-Tai | 53 | (14) |
| 2023– | Al-Riyadh | 9 | (1) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2010– | Zimbabwe | 51 | (24) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:06, 29 September 2023 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18 January 2022 (UTC) | |||
Personal life
Knowledge Musona hails from Norton, Mashonaland West and attended Lord Malvern High School in Harare. His younger brother Walter Musona is also a professional footballer.[2]
Club career
Musona made his debut for Hoffenheim as a substitute against SC Freiburg in a 3–1 win[3] and scored his first goal in a 2–1 DFB-Pokal win over Köln on 25 October 2011. On 18 May 2012, it was announced that he would join Augsburg on a one-year loan for the upcoming season.[4]
In July 2013, he left Germany and moved to South African side Kaizer Chiefs on a loan deal. He scored eight goals in 19 league matches, including a vital goal which sent his team into the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup.[5] Musona scored a hat trick in a 3–0 first-round, second-leg CAF Champions League victory over Liga Muculmana in Maputo on 6 March, progressing to the next round of the competition on a 7–0 aggregate scoreline after winning 4–0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.[6] Musona suffered an ankle sprain in a 2–0 win over AS Vita Club in the CAF Champions League on 29 March 2014 where they lost 3–2 on aggregate. Musona ended the season with 16 goals in 25 starts in all competitions.[7] He attracted interest from clubs in Belgium, Germany and Roda of the Netherlands.[8] On 5 August, Musona started training with La Liga club, Granada.[9]
On 18 December 2014, Musona signed for Belgian club Oostende, effective 1 January 2015, with the player signing a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee. His agent Paschalis Tountouris stated that this move was the ideal step to revive his career.[10] He joined Andile Jali at the Belgian club.[11] He made his Belgian Pro League debut on 17 January 2015 in a 7–1 home defeat to K.V. Kortrijk. He was subbed off in the 67th minute, being replaced by Fernando Canesin.[12] He scored his first competitive goal for the club on 21 February 2015 in a 3–1 home defeat to Charleroi in the league. His goal, assisted by Elimane Coulibaly, was scored in the 77th minute.[13]
In May 2018, Musona moved to RSC Anderlecht, signing a four-year deal.[14][15][16] This came after reported interest from another Belgian side, Standard Liège.[17] He made his league debut for the club on the opening day of the season, coming on for Landry Dimata in the 86th minute of Anderlecht's 4–1 away victory over K.V. Kortrijk.[18] He scored his first competitive goal for the club on 26 August 2018 in a 2–1 away defeat to Club Brugge. His goal, assisted by Ivan Santini, was scored in the 19th minute and levelled the scores at one.[19][20][21]
In January 2019, Musona was loaned out to Lokeren until the end of the 2018–19 season.[22][23][24][25] He made his league debut for the club on 19 January 2019, playing all ninety minutes of a 4–1 away defeat to Eupen.[26] He scored his first league goal for the club on 9 February 2019 in a 2–1 home victory over Royal Antwerp. His goal, assisted by Marko Mirić, was scored in the 32nd minute.[27][28][29]
On 4 June 2023, Musona joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Riyadh on a free transfer.[30]
International career
Musona made his national team debut in a friendly against South Africa on 3 March 2010.[31] He is often considered to be one of the finest strikers to ever come out of Zimbabwe. At the 2017 African Cup of Nations, he scored a goal against Tunisia, beating two defenders and smashing the ball beyond the goalkeeper. On 11 June 2017, he scored a hat trick to join other Zimbabwean hat trick heroes like the legendary Peter Ndlovu and Vitalis Takawira. Musona announced his retirement from international football in 2022.
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 29 September 2023
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | Ref. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Kaizer Chiefs | 2009–10 | SAPD | 21 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 21 | 4 | [32] | |
| 2010–11 | 28 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 28 | 15 | [32] | |||
| Total | 49 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 19 | – | ||
| 1899 Hoffenheim | 2011–12 | Bundesliga | 16 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | [32] | ||
| FC Augsburg (loan) | 2012–13 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | [32] | |||
| Kaizer Chiefs (loan) | 2013–14 | SAPD | 19 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3[lower-alpha 1] | 0 | 29 | 16 | [32] |
| Oostende | 2014–15 | BPL | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 15 | 5 | [33] | ||
| 2015–16 | 35 | 13 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 36 | 13 | [33] | ||||
| 2016–17 | 29 | 10 | 3 | 3 | — | — | 1[lower-alpha 2] | 0 | 33 | 13 | [33] | ||||
| 2017–18 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 2 | — | 2[lower-alpha 3] | 1 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 10 | [33] | |||
| Total | 103 | 35 | 6 | 5 | — | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 122 | 41 | – | |||
| Anderlecht | 2018–19 | BPL | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | [33] | |
| Lokeren | 2018–19 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | – | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | [33] | |||
| Eupen | 2019–20 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | [32] | |
| 2020–21 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 7 | [32] | ||
| Total | 31 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 9 | [32] | ||
| Al-Tai | 2021–22 | SPL | 24 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 6 | [32] |
| 2022–23 | 29 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 9 | [32] | ||
| Total | 51 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 15 | [32] | ||
| Al-Riyadh | 2022–23 | SPL | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | [32] | ||
| Career total | 304 | 88 | 16 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 334 | 105 | – | ||
- Appearances in MTN 8
- Appearance in Belgian Pro League Europa League play-offs
- Appearances in UEFA Europa League
International
- As of match played 18 January 2022[1]
| Zimbabwe | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 2010 | 5 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 | 5 |
| 2012 | 5 | 2 |
| 2013 | 4 | 3 |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | 2 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5 | 3 |
| 2017 | 4 | 4 |
| 2018 | 3 | 1 |
| 2019 | 9 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 | 5 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 | 1 |
| Total | 51 | 24 |
International goals
- As of match played 18 January 2022.[1]
- Scores and results list Zimbabwe's goal tally first.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 5 September 2010 | SKD Sports Complex, Paynesville, Liberia |  Liberia | 1–0 | 1–1 | 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| 2. | 5 June 2011 | Rufaro Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe |  Mali | 1–0 | 2–1 | |
| 3. | 2–1 | |||||
| 4. | 8 October 2011 | Estádio da Várzea, Praia, Cape Verde |  Cape Verde | 2–1 | 2–1 | |
| 5. | 15 November 2011 | Rufaro Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe |  South Africa | 1–1 | 2–1 | Friendly |
| 6. | 2–1 | |||||
| 7. | 29 February 2012 | Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium, Bujumbura, Burundi |  Burundi | 1–1 | 1–2 | 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| 8. | 17 June 2012 | National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe | 1–0 | 1–0 | ||
| 9. | 26 March 2013 | Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt |  Egypt | 1–1 | 2–1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 10. | 9 June 2013 | National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe | 1–1 | 4–2 | ||
| 11. | 10 September 2013 | Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | South Africa | 1–0 | 2–1 | Friendly |
| 12. | 6 September 2015 | Rufaro Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe |  Guinea | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| 13. | 28 March 2016 | National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe |  Swaziland | 1–0 | 4–0 | |
| 14. | 5 June 2016 |  Malawi | 1–0 | 3–0 | ||
| 15. | 13 November 2016 |  Tanzania | 1–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | |
| 16. | 23 January 2017 | Stade d'Angondjé, Libreville, Gabon |  Tunisia | 1–3 | 2–4 | 2017 Africa Cup of Nations |
| 17. | 11 June 2017 | National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe | Liberia | 1–0 | 3–0 | 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| 18. | 2–0 | |||||
| 19. | 3–0 | |||||
| 20. | 13 October 2018 | Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa, DR Congo |  DR Congo | 2–0 | 2–1 | |
| 21. | 24 March 2019 | National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe |  Congo | 2–0 | 2–0 | |
| 22. | 16 November 2020 |  Algeria | 1–2 | 2–2 | 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 23. | 9 October 2021 | Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Cape Coast, Ghana |  Ghana | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 24. | 18 January 2022 | Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé, Cameroon | Guinea | 1–0 | 2–1 | 2021 Africa Cup of Nations |
References
- Knowledge Musona at National-Football-Teams.com
- "Zimbabwe/South Africa: Musona Impresses Mamelodi Sundowns". 25 July 2013. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via AllAfrica.
- "Knowledge Musona sets Hoffenheim's European target". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 28 July 2011. Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
- "Xhaka nach Gladbach, Klasnic auf Vereinssuche" (in German). Spiegel Online. 18 May 2012. Archived from the original on 19 May 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- "Musona zurück in der Heimat" (in German). kicker.de. Archived from the original on 13 October 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
- mobi.supersport.com/football/caf-champions-league/news/140308/Musona_treble_sends_Chiefs_through
- www.realnet.co.uk. "Kaizer Chiefs medics worried about Knowledge Musona". Kick Off. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
- "Second-tier Dutch club want Zimbabwean striker Knowledge Musona". sowetanlive.co.za. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
- "Knowledge Musona Is Training With Granada CF". www.soccerladuma.co.za. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
- "Musona chooses Belgium - The Herald". www.herald.co.zw. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
- "Tiyani wa ka Mabasa" [Musona joins Oostende]. Kick Off. 18 December 2014. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
- "KV Oostende vs. Kortrijk – 17 January 2015 – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "KV Oostende vs. Sporting Charleroi – 21 February 2015 – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Zimbabwe's Knowledge Musona excited by Anderlecht challenge". bbc.com. 25 May 2018. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Knowledge Musona signs for Anderlecht". sport24.co.za. 24 May 2018. Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Zimbabwean Footballer Musona Joins Anderlecht". allafrica.com. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Anderlecht beat Standard Liege to Knowledge Musona's signature". iol.co.za. 23 May 2018. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Kortrijk vs. Anderlecht – 28 July 2018 – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Club Brugge vs. Anderlecht – 26 August 2018 – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 24 October 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Musona opens Anderlecht account". herald.co.zw. 26 August 2018. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Knowledge Musona scores first Anderlecht goal". soccer24.co.zw. 26 August 2018. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona joins Lokeren on loan from Anderlecht". goal.com. 17 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Musona joins Lokeren". newsday.co.zw. 18 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Knowledge Musona Joins Belgian Bottom-club KSC Lokeren On Loan". news.pindula.co.zw. 17 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Warriors forward Knowledge Musona joins Sprting Lokeren on loan". zwnews.com. 18 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "AS Eupen vs. Lokeren – 19 January 2019 – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Lokeren vs. Antwerp – 9 February 2019 – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- "Zimbabwe: Musona Scores First Goal for New Belgian Side KSC Lokeren". allafrica.com. 12 February 2019. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- Madzokere, Munyaradzi (2 August 2020). "Zimbabwe: Musona Strikes Ahead of Season Kickoff". allAfrica.com. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- "موسونا الطائي أولى انتدابات الرياض". Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- "South Africa vs. Zimbabwe (3:0)". national-football-teams.com. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- Knowledge Musona at Soccerway. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- "Knowledge Musona » Club matches". WorldFootball.net. Archived from the original on 17 July 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
