What the Siya crew has been told…

Arguably the biggest decision Kaizer Chiefs will need to be make in the coming months involves one of their highest-earning players. Star man Khama Billiat will see his contract coming to an end in June and there is no option to extend in his deal, as he is eligible to sign a pre-contract this month with any club that shows an interest in his services.

The Soweto giants brought Billiat in with the hope that they would return to their glory days, but there have been no trophies in their cabinet since the 32-year-old arrived from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018.

Now, after almost five years of having the player on board, the club is set to make a decision and there are quite a lot of factors to be considered to determine whether or not the player will remain at Naturena beyond June 2023.

Coach Arthur Zwane has spoken of how important Billiat is to his side and it’s believed that the former winger would want to have the player on board next season. But the Siya crew understands that the final decision will not rest with him, though his input will play a key role.

Bobby Motaung played an integral part in bringing Billiat to Amakhosi, convincing the player to turn down a new offer from Sundowns in 2018 in favour of a move to Naturena, but Soccer Laduma has been informed that Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jnr. will now have a bigger say in the future of the former Zimbabwean international.

It’s understood that there is a lot more to consider, from both parties, before a decision is made on the player’s future at Naturena.

According to information provided to this publication, there has been a concern over the form of the attacking player, particularly this season where he has not been able to find any sort of rhythm.

His form for the remainder of the season will have a big impact in the final decision, but age will also be considered, the Siya crew understands.

The player is turning 33 in August and Chiefs have not always given players over the age of 30 long-term deals, with the likes of Tinashe Nengomasha, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and George Maluleka leaving the club previously to sign deals at Bidvest Wits, SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.

Billiat is past his prime and it’s believed that this will be one of the key factors in determining his future and ability to contribute to the team in the coming years

The club is also well aware of the fact that not renewing Billiat’s contract would ease their salary bill significantly. With his yearly salary package in the region of just over R6 million, he is a top earner at the club alongside the likes of Keagan Dolly.

With the big salary they are currently paying to Billiat, Amakhosi would need to look into whether or not they want to free up some funds to bring in more players before the start of next season. The club is also looking to build a younger squad and they are believed to be considering different options in attack to improve the side for Zwane, leaving players such as Billiat with an uncertain future at the club, with the wage bill possibly redirected.

Billiat, himself, wants to ensure that he gets the right deal as he heads towards the end of his professional playing career, but the Siya crew understands that he wants to stay at Naturena, so the second half of the season will be important for the player as he aim to secure a contract extension.

Insiders have revealed that the former Ajax Cape Town man has been working hard behind the scenes in training and is determined to finish the season on a high.