By Noah Pomo – Zimba Wave Media
Zimbabwe International, Khama Billiat (34), announced that he is now open to play for the Zimbabwe National Football team again, almost 3 years after he decided enough was enough. Zimbabwe endured a ban from international football for 18 months.
Zimbabwe was welcomed back to the FIFA family in 2022. Selection of coaches and maintenance of venues has been characterised by drama. Leading players like Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat quit their international careers during their prime years.
Billiat retired from international football in November 2021. Newly appointed substantive national team coach, Michael Nees, from Germany, who has a 2 year contract, announced Billiat’s next assignment: and invited him to his maiden team for the upcoming AFCON and World cup qualifiers.
Billiat said: “This season has been among the best phases of my football career. I have played on grand stages, but nothing beats expressing myself in front of my people.”
“Every time I step on the turf, I am motivated to do my best for my team and the thousands who love this sport.”
“I feel I still have something to give to Zimbabwean football, locally and internationally. I have been reflecting deeply, and I am convinced there is one chapter which remains unfinished – between Khama Billiat and the Zimbabwe national football team.”
“I have reconsidered my decision to retire and would love to represent my country one more time. I will continue to work hard on the field and hopefully help the nation in a positive way. I love my country and stand ready to serve if afforded a chance.”
British based Marvellous Nakamba remains unavailable although he has now at least returned to contention for selection with Championship side Luton who were relegated from the English Premier League last season.
Billiat was first sold by Caps United after just 5 appearance and 2 goals before making a name for himself in South Africa with Cape Town Ajax 83 games scoring 24 goals. He then played 101 games and scored 41 goals, for Mamelodi Sundowns, nearing a ration 1 goal in every 2 games. He then played 84 games and scored 24 goals for Kaizer Chiefs but this coincided with poor form for Chiefs and Billiat never felt welcomed. He returned home to play for Yadah FC and has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances truly lighting up the local premiership with the season barely half way. His goals per game is currently the best it has ever been being higher than 1 in every 2 games. Norman Maroto’s 20 cup goals with Gunners a season current record is in danger of being eclipsed for the first time since 2010. Every league needs goals.
In 2016 he helped Sundowns become African Champions by winning the prestigious Champions league. Some felt he should have been named as Africa’s best player, an award given instead to his team mate.
Billiat has appeared at Afcon tournaments with Zimbabwe. He has scored 17 goals in 43 games for his country.
Billiat is a flair player. He has won the title in South Africa 3 times while he lifted 2 domestic cups with his clubs and 2 continental titles. He has received Player for the season and Player’s Player of the season twice in 2016 and was also named midfielder of the season.
Some of his peers included fellow flair player Ovidy Karuru, Musona and Willard Katsande.
Decorated player Khama Billiat and Multiple award-winning Coach, Pitso Mosimane, John Jingles Hamilton
Mosimane says he called Khama Billiat for 1 year straight, EVERYDAY, trying to convince him to join him at Sundowns Pitso Khama Sundowns
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