Chiefs clinch the signing of Billiat
SUNDOWNS RESIGNED TO LOSING STAR PLAYER
Kaizer Chiefs finally made a big catch yesterday when they announced Khama Billiat would don the famous black and gold of Amakhosi next season, bringing some joy to their fans who have been calling for quality players to be brought in to change the side’s fortunes.
Billiat joins Amakhosi along with Madagascan midfielder Andriamirado Andrianarimanana and Letlogonolo Mirwa.
But it was Billiat who got the Glamour Boys’ fans excited as he is arguably the biggest signing Amakhosi have made since signing Bernard Parker and Tsepo Masilela some six years ago. The 27-year-old Zimbabwean joins Chiefs after spending four years at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he declined a contract extension.
The 23-year-old Mirwa is a left-footed defender from the North West ABC Motsepe League side Buya Msuthu and is said to have been one of the standout performers for Buya Msuthu last season and at the national play-offs in Polokwane recently.
Andrianarimanana is a 26-year-old Madagascar national team player and was named Player-of-the-Tournament at the Cosafa Cup held in Polokwane recently. Amakhosi signed him from Fosa Juniors where he was considered their most cherished player. He was discovered by the side’s coach Nicolas Dupuis in 2017 and he immediately made a name for himself.
“I discovered him recently. I was immediately taken by his talent. I appreciated it,” Dupuis was quoted saying about Andrianarimanana in March. Andrianarimanana is described as a skilful attacking midfielder who can also score goals. He was called up for the Madagascar national team after playing just two games for Fosa Juniors.
Amakhosi were also expected to announce their new coach, with rumours suggesting they had signed Stuart Baxter. But the club only announced the three players and didn’t say anything about the coach. Spokesperson Vina Maphosa denied the links and said the club were still in the process of finding a new coach.
“I don’t know anything about that. It is just rumours. Nothing has changed as far as the coach position is concerned. We will announce it as soon as it is finalised,” he said.