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Billiat or Brilliant: Imagining Life at Sundowns After ‘Khamaldinho’

Harare – For his generation, Sundowns striker Khama Blliat has outfoxed critics to write his own history – and at 26, he still retains more...

Harare – For his generation, Sundowns striker Khama Blliat has outfoxed critics to write his own history – and at 26, he still retains more firepower to exceed his forerunners with talks for his impending transfer to Zamalek in Egypt – and probably abroad.

Gifted with a similar minuscule stature of Lionel Messi and Neymar, according to his devotees – Billiat stands at 1,75 meters, but that has not eroded his title: tormenter-in-chief to trail him – while pace, silky skills, plus awesome footwork are his peculiar attributes.

For his exploits, Billiat came second in the Caf African-based bet player for 2016.

By Derick Matsengarwodzi
His rising fame is effortlessly tracked from the pothole-riddled roads of Mufakose – a Harare ghetto branded for churning out similar talents, alongside notorious characters. From the black Aces Youth Academy that nurtured Belgium-based Knowledge Musona, Blliat emerged gracefully.
Khama Billiat

In three years, he was ripe to clothe the Ajax Cape Town jersey after a swoop by the Cape side. He had featured for Caps United for only three months. Since joining Sundowns in 2013, the subtle flee has netted in excess of 20 goals in more than 60 appearances, proving his value.

By 2011, Billiat was playing for the Warriors – Zimbabwe’s national team, though his crusade crumbled with the team bowing out of the 2017 Afcon finals in Gabon. Despite the loss, Billiat received rare reviews by Ghanaian football legend Samuel Kuffour.

Though he did everything right on the African soccer showcase, his persistent failure to break into the European leagues has been an Achilles heels. When Keegan Dolly and Leanardo Castro left Sundowns, Khamaldinho’s destiny became apparent.

His club had surrendered his perennial influence elsewhere, going with statements released by club owner, Patrice Motsepe.

“It’s not just Keagan; there may be two other players that may have to go (Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro). And we are looking at bringing in two others. We expect as part of our 10-year plan to release some of our players to top European clubs but also to develop quality players at our Academy and to continue bringing the best South African, African and South American players to the club,” said Motsepe.

Motsepe was searching elsewhere for players who could reignite the club. His playing ability is not a secret.

“It is good the way he has been playing in South Africa. He is in great form. He is a boy who has got everything in terms of taking on the man, taking power play. He is short but it’s amazing the way he plays,” his former national team coach, Calisto Pasuwa confided.

Billiat’s mentor at Aces Youth Academy, Marc Duvillard trusts his produce is overripe for the Absa Premier League.

“Now is the time for him to move to a bigger challenge, he should now go to Europe because he has got the qualities to play in German or Spain. There is good space for a skillful player to shine in the Spanish La Liga and in Germany they play superb counter-attacking football, which suits Khama’s frame,” said Duvillard.

Off the ball, his life has been blotted by disputes.

Bev – an equally debatable pole dancer claimed an affair with the football star. She has subsequently bedded more celebrities in similar fashion. Early in 2017, Billiat was robbed at gunpoint with AK-47 assault rifles. His club said he was at the shop buy provisions when he met his sad fate. His net worth is estimated at $2,5 million.

Now back to the pitch.

Beyond 27, Billiat could be too old for Europe, while his physique is debatable, as proved during the 2017 Afcon game against Senegal. He was often overpowered by his rivals, many plying in Europe.

An analysis by the British Mailonline summed up Billiat’s solo efforts.
“Where is he now? The 26-year-old forward plays in South Africa with Mamelodi Sundowns, who he helped win the African Champions League season. What does he bring?

He was the only player picked from a losing cause.

“While Zimbabwe may have gone out in the group stage, Billiat was one of their stars of the tournament, particularly impressive against Algeria, where he proved himself against defenders used to playing at the top level in European football,” noted the respected publication.

The publication even predicted his future.

“Probably not a top Premier League side, but a mid-table club looking for a versatile goal-threat could consider Billiat to be worth a try. There is reported interest from clubs in the French and Belgian top flights, but don’t rule out a move to England down the line.”


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