‘Billiat doubles Premiership’s value’
PREMIER Soccer League chairman Farai Jere believes the arrival of Khama Billiat in the domestic season ahead of the 2024 Castle Lager Premiership will help boost interest in the league.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Delta Beverages sponsorship unveiling in Harare yesterday, Jere said Billiat is a star player with the potential to revive interest in the local Premiership which is still recovering from the effects of the 2020 Covid lockdown restrictions.
Billiat joined Yadah on a oneyear contract amid attempts from Dynamos, Manica Diamonds, CAPS United, Ngezi Platinum, and FC Platinum, who were all ready to pay a US$20,000 sign-on fee although on differing terms.
The Delta Beverages function yesterday forced Yadah to defer the unveiling of Billiat as it would have been a counter-attraction.
Jere predicted an exciting season, especially based on Billiat’s arrival. “We are expecting a lot of excitement given some developments which have been and are still happening including the coming in of Khama Billiat into the Premier Soccer League. That alone is to increase the value of our league.
“Having players of such stature, those players who have played at the highest level. I remember he was once voted the second-best player in the continent (after former teammate Dennis Onyango) when he helped South Africa giants Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League glory in 2016.
“And his choosing to come to play in Zimbabwe is an endorsement of our league. That will also force other teams to raise their performance bars.”
Jere believes Billiat’s presence has doubled the value of the Castle Lager Premiership.
“The league is no longer the same after the arrival of Billiat; he is one of the best players in Africa, and his arrival has given our critics something to think about.
“It shows we are going somewhere because Billiat is a top player, and I’m confident that more top players are on their way to our league. “It’s undeniable that most football followers across Africa are going to be keeping an eye on our league this season,” he said. He added:
“As we embark on the upcoming season, I am confident that our league will continue to be a beacon of excitement, competition, and sportsmanship. “In the coming days, we anticipate a thrilling season filled with intense rivalries, breathtaking goals, and unforgettable moments.