Khama Billiat’s contract with Kaizer Chiefs expired at the end of June, and his future at the club has been the subject of much speculation.
The 32-year-old Zimbabwean forward has been with Chiefs for five years, but during that period, the club has failed to recapture the old glory days.
During the period, the highlight for Amakhosi would have been reaching the CAF Champions League final under Gavin Hunt in 2021. Stuart Baxter then took over the reins as they lost to Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly 3-0.
Last season, the former Ajax Cape Town star missed the entire second half due to injuries, limiting him to only 12 appearances in the DStv Premiership.
Nonetheless, Chiefs were reportedly keen to keep Billiat at the club. The talented forward was also ‘open to staying’ at Chiefs while ‘considering his options’.
Just days before the end of his contract, he was part of the players that did medicals last week.
His contract ended on Friday, June 30, but there has been no word from the club regarding his future.
Interestingly, Chiefs have announced the departure of Phathutshedzo Nange, who has since joined SuperSport United. Cole Alexander and Erick Mathoho were two other departures after cutting ties with the club. Mathoho’s contract, like Billiat, had expired while Alexander took a settlement.
HERE’S WHAT IS HAPPENING ON KHAMA BILLIAT
A Chiefs player confirmed that he was not part of their training session on Monday and Tuesday following the expiry of his deal.
“He didn’t train in the last two days because his contract ended. The club did speak to him about a new deal, but it looks like they couldn’t agree.
“We’re actually on our way to camp in Nelspruit, and Khama is not part of us,” a Chiefs player told FARPost.
Chiefs triggered their option to extend last year, which he wound up recently. The club had proposed a new deal, which would see him take a hefty pay cut. It would have meant another year in Chiefs’ colours if he had agreed.
However, the former Zimbabwe international has not agreed, potentially ending his time at Naturena.
One option for Billiat is to move to a club in the Middle East, Asia or North Africa, where he has previously caught interest.
Ultimately, Billiat’s future will depend on several factors, including his personal preferences and the offers he receives from other clubs. He has been Zimbabwe’s standout player in South Africa in recent years.
KHAMA BILLIAT NUMBERS
KAIZER CHIEFS
2018/19 to 2022/23 [126 appearances, 24 goals, 29 assists]
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
2013/14 to 2017/18 [144 appearances, 48 goals, 43 assists]
AJAX CAPE TOWN
2010/11 to 2012/13 [92 appearances, 23 goals, 24 assists]
Overall in South Africa
362 appearances
95 goals
96 assists
HONOURS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Three league titles [2013/14, 2015/16 and 2017/18]; Nedbank Cup [2014/15]; CAF Champions League [2015/16]; Telkom Knockout [2015/16]; CAF Super Cup [2016/17].
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