Katsande tips Billiat for top award

KAIZER Chiefs’ Zimbabwean midfielder Willard Katsande has backed compatriot Khama Billiat to scoop the PSL footballer of the season award.

With 10 goals and as many assists this season, Billiat has been crucial to Mamelodi Sundowns’ challenge for the treble and is a hot favourite for the prize.

Billiat, a player of great courage and wonderful skill, will have the likes of Hlompho Kekana and Keagan Dolly to compete with for the award but Katsande feels his countryman has done more than enough to walk home with the prize come ceremony night next month.

He has scored some incredible goals and, like he did in the 2-0 victory over Jomo Cosmos on Saturday, has been a provider to the likes of Dolly and Leonardo Castro, who is benefiting from the partnership upfront.

Billiat is strong, too, shrugging off some big defenders while opening up spaces for teammates to take advantage of.

“He has been a huge player for Sundowns. He has made a huge difference. He has been the best player for them and he deserves to win [footballer of the season],” said Katsande.

“I sent him a message saying that every game he always has to do something for the team. If he does not score, then he should create. I think so far he has done so well.

“He has won most of the games for them and he just has to put his feet on the ground for the remaining matches. He must keep on pushing.”

Not since Tinashe Nengomasha in 2003-2004 has a Zimbabwean player won the biggest individual award in the PSL.