ESROM HAILS KHAMALDINHO

. . . Says Chiefs star is one of Zim’s finest attackers

ESROM Nyandoro says Khama Billiat is one of the best attacking players to come out of Zimbabwe.

The Kaizer Chiefs forward is now just six goals away from equaling Collins Mbesuma’s record, in the South African top-flight league.

Billiat has to date rattled the back of the net 97 times in all Premier Soccer League competitions.

Six more goals will see the Zimbabwean attacking player moving to joint-fifth position, on the all-time leading scorers’ charts, with Zambian Mbesuma, who hung his boots, after scoring 103 goals.

Siyabonga Nomvete leads the all-time goal scorers’ chart with 123 goals.

Daniel Mudau and Mabhuti Khanyeza are joint second on 110.

Mozambican legend Manuel ‘Tico-Tico’ Bucuane (104) occupies fourth spot, ahead of Mbesuma.

Nyandoro, who took part in the Warriors’ maiden AFCON finals adventure in 2004 in Tunisia, and in 2006 in Egypt, said Billiat has over the years proven to be one of the best players from Zimbabwe to ply their trade in the South African topflight.

“He is sixth on the all-time scoring charts and is very close to 100 goals. Not everyone can achieve that record,” Nyandoro said.

“In my view, Khama is one of the best attacking players Zimbabwe has ever produced.

“He has performed well at all the three clubs he has played for and it does not come as a surprise that he is now close to surpassing Mbesuma’s goals.”

Kaizer Chiefs, who will play Marumo Gallants in a league match at the FNB Stadium tomorrow evening, will also face Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and Moroka Swallows, before the curtain comes down on their season.

“It is difficult to say whether or not he [Billiat] will score the six goals and achieve the milestone this season,” said Nyandoro.

“However, what is clear is that he has demonstrated his ability and endurance in the South African Premier League over the years.

“We must also remember that Billiat has been affected by injuries over the years.

“This has presented a challenge that has negatively affected his scoring rate.

“When you consider his context, you will appreciate how far he has come.”

Billiat’s personal achievement is a positive development in yet another season that Zimbabwean strikers have generally failed to make an impression in the South African top-flight.

Zimbabwe last celebrated a top scorer in the South African PSL 11 years ago when Knowledge Musona’s 17 goals saw him scooping the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award.

Gilbert Mushangazhike had scooped the award after scoring 19 goals during the 2000-01 season while playing his trade with Manning Rangers.

But Wilfred Mugeyi’s 22 league goals, between 1996 and 1997, is a benchmark that is yet to be matched, in a single season, by any Zimbabwean, who has played in the South African topflight.

Nyandoro could not be drawn to compare Billiat to the likes of Benjani Mwaruwari, or other Zimbabwean strikers, who have illuminated the South African PSL, in the past.

“Billiat has his own style, which cannot be compared to the likes of Mugeyi, Mwaruwari or any of the other players, who have performed well in South Africa.

“He is a good example to the other young players and his achievements show that hard work and commitment will always pay off,” Nyandoro said.