Khama Billiat has left the Kaizer Chiefs, marking the end of an era as the 2023-2024 campaign wraps up.
It’s no secret that his exit has stirred up mixed feelings among fans and teammates.
The former Sundowns star has finally opened up about what led to his decision to leave.
Reflecting on His Time at Chiefs
In his own words, Billiat expressed, “I felt it was time for me to return home.
While the team wanted me to stay, I wasn’t mentally prepared for another season.
With all the injuries and pressure I faced, it became too much for me.”
It’s clear that his time at Naturena was challenging, leaving a bitter aftertaste for both him and the supporters.
Khama’s Comeback Journey
Now, as he settles back in South Africa, Billiat is finding his rhythm again.
The Zimbabwean forward recently made headlines by scoring the winning goal for his national team against Namibia at Orlando Stadium.
This victory was a significant boost, as they followed it up with a 3-1 triumph over Namibia at home, placing Zimbabwe at the top of Group J in the AFCON qualifiers.
At 34 years old, Billiat is once again proving himself to be an essential player, showcasing his talent with Yadah FC in his home country.
He has now netted 17 goals in 51 caps, further solidifying his place on the international stage.
Early Career at Ajax
Billiat began his journey at Ajax Cape Town, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent.
His skills even caught the eye of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand during a friendly match in 2021.
Over 92 appearances for Ajax, he scored 23 goals, averaging a solid 0.25 goals per game.
This performance paved the way for a move to one of South Africa’s biggest clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Peak Performance at Sundowns
His time at Sundowns marked the pinnacle of Billiat’s career, where he truly shined.
With an impressive 47 goals in 140 appearances, he boasted a remarkable scoring rate of 0.34 goals per game.
This period not only brought him personal accolades but also three DStv Premiership titles and the prestigious 2015 CAF Champions League.
For several years, Billiat was regarded as the best player in South Africa, showcasing his immense talent on the pitch.
Stats at Kaizer Chiefs
At Kaizer Chiefs, Billiat contributed 24 goals and 29 assists across 126 appearances, translating to an impressive 0.42 goals per game.
While his stats were still commendable, they didn’t quite match his performance at Sundowns, where he achieved 0.64 goals per game.
Factors like injuries and age played a role in this decline, but his recent resurgence at Yadah serves as a reminder that while form may fluctuate, true talent never fades.
What’s Next for Billiat?
As Khama Billiat moves forward in his career, fans are eager to see what the future holds for this talented player.
His journey has been filled with ups and downs, but one thing is certain: his class remains undeniable.