A True Glamour Boy: Why We Are Excited With Bill Antonio's Move To Belgium

By Takudzwa Hillary Chiwanza

Bill Antonio’s impressive football exploits with Dynamos Football Club has earned him a move to Belgian top-flight side KV Mechelen for an undisclosed fee.

The blistering teenage sensation, who was raised in Dzivarasekwa and passed through Prince Edward High School in the capital, travelled to Belgium in July 2022 for trials; spending a month there. He passed a three-week audition with KV Mechelen earlier in August.

Confirming the latest development, Bill Antonio revealed the news to his fellow Dembare teammates on the 1st of September 2022, bidding them farewell as well.

“It’s such a great achievement, straight from Zimbabwe to Europe but all I have to say to the Dynamos family is; thank you for all the support.”

“Where I’m going, I will never forget the Dynamos family. Playing in the blue kit is something every footballer wishes for.”

The move to Europe sees Bill Antonio achieving what many dream for — a preferred avenue for a possibly expansive career trajectory in which he hopes to fully realize his talent to its maximum potential.

Having impressed in the Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, Antonio’s move to Europe still sends a positive message that Zimbabwe is exceedingly blessed with exceptional footballing talent. And it is Antonio’s own bold statement of intent — his unwavering focus and fierce determination speak for themselves: he made his debut for Dynamos last year, featuring in 28 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists.

We like that he admits there is a monumental challenge ahead of him; his optimism and work ethic nonetheless have made him a remarkable footballer. His alacrity is obviously enviable, the reason KV Mechelen was impressed by him.

We do not expect Bill Antonio to be on the fringes in Belgian top-flight football; we are simply excited that he has shed a positive light on the fraternity of Zimbabwean football.

For some, the issue of African players leaving for European football clubs is hotly contentious, and that is understandable. What remains important is the football player’s commitment towards representing the best interests of his country.