Pitso prepares for life without Billiat

‘If he does not want to renew, what can we do’

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has given the clearest indication yet that winger Khama Billiat could be on his way out of the club. The Zimbabwe international’s current contract with the Brazilians expires at the end of the season, while speculation has linked him with a move to Cape Town City.

There appears to be an impasse in the negotiations of Billiat’s contract extension after Mosimane confirmed that his desire is to retain the player, who turns 27 on Saturday. With Sundowns having signed winger George Lebese from Kaizer Chiefs, Billiat may be considering his options with competition for a starting spot now set to be tougher. Billiat failed to inspire Sundowns in their 1-0 loss to Maritzburg United in the MTN8 at the weekend.

“Khama is on his last year and we are trying to renew his contract.

“But if he is not going to renew his contract we will continue. Sundowns is a very big team,” Mosimane said following their cup elimination.

“You could see Khama is not sharp [during Sunday’s loss]. It was his fi rst match after being out for nine weeks. If he renews, why not? We love him, he is a good player. But if he does not want to renew, what can we do?”

With Sundowns having advanced to the quarterfinal of the CAF Champions League with little contribution from Billiat, Mosimane suggested that the team has showed they can survive without him.

“Khama has never played Champions League this year. Khama doesn’t finish all the games.

“Every year he misses eight, 10 games with injuries. We are prepared. We are two games away from the final of the Champions League and Khama has not played.”

Sundowns are also set to up the ante in their pursuit of SuperSport United striker Jeremy Brockie.

“We would like to get one more striker. You know the striker that I want. But it’s very difficult ...”

Sundowns will open their league campaign against SuperSport at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday (3pm).

‘ ‘ We would like to get a striker. You know the striker I want

/ SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX /SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/ BACKPAGEPIX Mamelodi Sundowns’ Khama Billiat, seen here in action in Sunday’s MTN8 quaterfinal against Maritzburg United, could leave the club as he’s reluctant to renew his contract, according to coach Pitso Mosimane. Billiat has not yet renewed his contract with...