Khama Billiat is finding the best version of himself again after a disappointing spell with Kaizer Chiefs. He’s even scoring again for Zimbabwe.
Billiat scores to steer Zimbabwe to a win over Namibia
Khama Billiat is excited to return to South Africa after stints with Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs. The Zimbabwe forward scored the winner for his country against Namibia at Orlando Stadium. Zimbabwe now top Group J of Afcon qualifying and Billiat is a key figure. The 34-year-old has bene in fine form for Yadah FC in his homeland, which has seen him return to the international fold. The 2016 Caf Champions league and three-time Betway Premiership winner now has 17 goals in 51 caps.
“I am excited about this opportunity and to be back in South Africa, where I spent the better part of my playing career,” Billiat said. “I am grateful to Prophet Walter Magaya, who gave me another chance at Yadah, where I’ve been able to rediscover myself and make my way back from international retirement.”
Billiat at Ajax
The young Zimbabwean was an electric prospect who even earned the praise of Man United’s legendary ex-defender Rio Ferdinand. That was after Ajax faced the Red Devils in a 2021 friendly. 23 goals in 92 appearances at a rate of exactly 0.25 goals per game (a very healthy return) paved the way for a move to PSL giants, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Billiat at Sundowns
47 goals in 140 appearances for the Brazilians was by far Billiat’s best strike ratio throughout his club career. 0.34 goals per game is a respectable goal-scoring rate for a man who operated mainly in wide areas or behind a conventional striker. This was most certainly the peak of Billiat’s career from a personal and physical perspective. He also scooped three DStv Premiership titles and the 2015 CAF Champions League among others, in a glittering five-year spell with Masandawana. At Sundowns, Billiat was arguably the best player in the country for more than a couple of years.
Billiat at Kaizer Chiefs
Khama’s 24 goals and 29 assists in 126 appearances for Chiefs mean he directly contributed to 0.42 goals per game for the Glamour Boys. Contrast that with his stats for Sundowns, where his direct output was 0.64 goals per game. The numbers don’t lie, and not all of that can be attributed to him being surrounded by better players at Chloorkop. Injuries certainly didn’t help, but age also comes for all of us. However, the tail-end of 2024 seems to be a renaissance period for the great man. Can he sustain it?
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