The Citizen (Gauteng)

Billiat promises to give best

Sundowns striker is set to head for Egypt or Europe at end of the season but says everybody can count on him to give 100% until he leaves.

- By Mark Gleeson

Khama Billiat is still determined to leave Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the season, but has promised he will give 100 percent until his exit as he seeks another league title with the club. "Right now I just want to honour my contract, be profession­al about it, respect my teammates and coaches," said the Zimbabwean striker, who is still very much part of coach Pitso Mosimane's plans. "I'm going to do what I have to do. Work hard whenever I get an opportunit­y, play well and respect the supporters who come in numbers every game. "I have to respect that and give everything I have every time I get a chance."

Billiat has been linked with a possible move to Zamalek of Egypt at the end of the season.

There is also the issue of a move to Europe, which is not out of the question for the former Premier Soccer League Player of the Season.

"I don't know anything yet," he said coyly when questioned about his next destinatio­n.

The 27-year-old Billiat is expected to be in the line-up for Sundowns.

Downs take a four-point lead at the helm of the PSL standings into Wednesday night's home game against fourth-placed Free State Stars at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

He will be hoping to help his teammates extend their lead as this is a game they have in hand over nearest rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

"We have great players around us and a lot of guys have plenty of experience," added Billiat.

"The Champions League has helped us a lot, traveling around the continent and learning, getting to understand the game.

“It has toughened us up, united us and taught us to make sure we stick to the game plan."

Billiat has spent the last four seasons at Sundowns.

During that time the striker has already won two league titles and helping the Pretoria side to the 2016 African Champions League title.

He has scored 46 goals for the club in all competitio­ns.

Sundowns have been trying to persuade him to renew his contract, but Billiat has refused, wanting rather to let it expire so that he can move on a free transfer.

Without commanding a transfer fee, he now becomes a much more attractive commodity to a prospectiv­e new employer and is already able to sign a pre-contract elsewhere.

 ?? PHOTO: backpagepi­x.com ?? KHAMA BILLIAT.
PHOTO: backpagepi­x.com KHAMA BILLIAT.

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