Billiat’s Downs exit: A misstep?
WARRIORS forward Khama Billiat came into the limelight during his days at Caps United before shortly making his move to Absa Premiership side Ajax Cape Town FC in 2010.
Born in Harare in August 1990, he attended Lord Malvern High for his secondary education after having completed his primary education at Gwinyiro Primary School in Mufakose. The early stages of his football career began at Aces Youth Academy which propped up the likes of Knowledge Musona.
After joining the Cape Town-based club, Billiat had three great seasons at the club where he played as a winger. Possessing a pair of quick feet, gifted with a dribbling ability second to none, and prowess, Billiat has often left defenses torn apart.
The 28-year-old made his move to Mamelodi Sundowns in August 2013, and the club willingly signed the winger for over eight million rand. Billiat was instrumental in the dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Absa premiership 2016 season, in which the club went on to lift the gong.
He scored a number of crucial goals for the club and led Mamelodi Sundowns to Caf Champions league glory in 2016. The attacking midfielder scooped numerous awards including the Absa Player’s Player of the Season, Player of the Year and midfielder of the year during the particular season.
Billiat was named African Player of the Year after he became runner up to teammate and Ugandan goalie Denis Onyango in an award ceremony held in Abuja, Nigeria.
The winger had a tremendous season in 2016, scoring 14 goals in the Absa premiership and bagging 20 assists in all competitions.
African giants Zamalek and Al Ahly were reportedly interested in signing the Sundownds Talisman. Even European clubs as Spanish based club Deportivo da La Coruna were closely keeping tabs, including Belgian and Chinnesse teams.
Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand hailed Billiat after playing against him in a pre-season friendly match in Cape Town in 2015.
“Billiat is their most exciting player for me. He is good when in position, good ball control and can use his speed really well, overall an exciting player,” said Ferdinand in his post- match comments.
However, the following season the attacking midfielder has not carried the form that has raised interests of the Asian and European clubs. In the current league campaign the forward has managed to score only three league goals for the Brazilians. The slump in his career comes at a time when his future with his current club is uncertain, as it is reportedly looking for his replacement.
His contract with the 2016 Caf Champions league winners is set to expire after six months and the club will not be renewing his contract.
This comes after the speedy winger was reluctant to renew his contract with the club hoping for a move to an overseas club.
Mamelodi Sundowns gaffer Pitso Mosimane said Billiat was free to leave as he has made his decision and he respects it.
“Khama can do whatever he wants to do. If he stays, he stays, if he wants to go, he can go. The contract is finishing, we are at peace with that,” Mosimane told media reports.
The club announced last year that it has since begun its search for a replacement for the dribbling wizard.
His much anticipated leave at the club has raised speculations and predictions about his career reaching its demise sooner than expected, when he leaves Chloorkop for greener pastures in Europe or other big international clubs.
Many predict that Billiat’s career will come to an end or turn for the worst if he leaves Mamelodi Sundowns for European clubs in England and Spain.
The speculations raised base on the fact that he may not be able to replicate his performances at Mamelodi Sundowns where he managed to reach the pinnacle of his career.
Other fans and football commentators have optimistic views about the talented winger, and are of the view that Billiat will be able to command a regular position in any club and shine above expectations.