Bill Antonio Biography | Background, Age, Education, Club Career, International Career
This is the biography of Bill Leeroy Antonio a professional footballer from Zimbabwe. He currently plays as a winger for KV Mechelen, a Belgian club, and represents the Zimbabwe national team.
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Background
Antonio grew up in Dzivarasekwa and his father’s name is Nowell Antonio.
Age
Bill Antonio was born on September 3, 2002.
Education
He attended Gillingham Primary School, where he began playing first-team football in Grade Five. Antonio later joined Dzivarasekwa Football Academy in Grade Six and received an offer from Prince Edward after completing Grade Seven. Additionally, he played for Diamond Eagles Academy.
During his time at Prince Edward, Antonio captained the Under-14 side and eventually joined the senior team as captain. He also served as the captain of the school’s athletics team. For his Advanced Level studies, Antonio pursued Literature in English, History, and Family and Religious Studies.
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Club Career
Early Days
Antonio achieved success early in his career, winning the Junior League with Dzivarasekwa Academy and finishing as the top goal scorer. He was also part of the Prince Edward team that won the Harare Schools Championship in 2017 and 2018.
Dynamos Football Club
Following his impressive performances at the COSAFA U20 Youth Championship, Antonio was signed by Dynamos Football Club. In November 2021, he was called up to the Zimbabwe senior men’s football squad for the World Cup qualifiers, replacing Macauley Bonne.
KV Mechelen
Antonio underwent a month-long trial at KV Mechelen, a top-flight Belgian club, and returned to Dynamos afterward. He was offered a five-year contract by the club and was scheduled to travel to Antwerp on September 1, 2022.
In early September 2022, Antonio returned to Belgium to undergo a medical examination and sign a long-term contract with KV Mechelen after successfully completing a three-week audition. He was signed from Prince Edward Academy on a 2-year deal. During his breakthrough season at Dynamos, he was on loan from Prince Edward Academy.
During the 2023-24 Belgian season, Antonio started playing for Mechelen’s second team, Jong KV, in the Belgian Division 2. He made his professional debut for Mechelen as a substitute in their 3-0 victory over Standard Liege on November 5, 2023. He continued to make appearances off the bench, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Gent on January 19, 2024. This win marked Mechelen’s first away victory against Gent since 2012.
International Career
Antonio made his international debut for the Zimbabwe national team at the age of 18 in a 1-0 loss to South Africa during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification on November 11, 2021. He received his first call-up for this match.
Antonio was included in the Zimbabwe squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. However, due to organizational issues, he, along with Panashe Mutimbanyoka and Temptation Chiwunga, did not travel to Cameroon for the tournament.
