From Glamour to Gloomy: Billiat’s Yadah move signals career crossroads
OPINION PIECE: Khama Billiat’s decision to join Yadah FC in Zimbabwe has ignited a firestorm of opinions.
After snubbing an offer to renew with Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season, Billiat found himself clubless for almost eight months.
There was interest from Sekhukhune United and Cape Town City at some point, but their offers fell short. Efforts to get a move to North Africa and Saudi were unsuccessful.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns talisman eventually settled for Yadah FC, who are in their sixth season in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
Just scanning through the log standings in the last five seasons, The Miracles Boys have never performed any miracle on the field of play.
They have been perennial strugglers, finishing 14th thrice and 13th twice in the 18-team league. In essence, they are perennial relegation warriors.
The match-fixing allegations against the team in their bid to survive the chop last season do not help matters.
For me, it is as a puzzling step down for a player who was influential in Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League triumph in 2016. Of course, those close to him believe it could be a springboard for the 33-year-old attacker’s next move. Let’s delve deeper into the arguments and explore the potential outcomes.
MISSED RISK OR CALCULATED RISK?
I believe Billiat should have stayed at Amakhosi, prioritising financial security and playing in a stronger league. The DStv Premiership undoubtedly offers better remuneration and a higher competitive level.
However, refusing a 40% pay cut suggests Billiat might not have valued the Chiefs offer.
He has never spoken out about that decision. But the club’s proposal was probably based on his limited playing time and his failure to regain top form in his five years at the club.
He would have still earned three times what he will earn at Yadah. Joining the latter, a team with a modest track record, indeed raises questions about ambition.
Yet, dismissing it solely as a lack of drive might be simplistic. But the truth of the matter is that there won’t be a title chase for Billiat, who moved to Ajax Cape Town after only playing two games for Caps United in July 2010.
And he won’t be surrounded by quality players playing the game at his level. While he tries to regain the spark, all eyes will be on him to carry the team.
On the other hand, Dynamos FC would have provided the allure of a historic club and CAF competition participation.
However, their recent struggles and limited financial resources might have been less appealing.
Ngezi Platinum, the reigning Zimbabwe champions, could have offered a competitive environment, but their lack of continental experience might not have been as attractive. The two clubs were piped by minnows Yadah for his signature.
INJURY CONCERNS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES
His injury history is a bit of a concern. Billiat’s, or rather Yadah’s, decision is undoubtedly a gamble.
His 2022/23 season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 10 appearances in the league.
Despite making eight starts and two substitute appearances, he missed a significant portion of the season with 15 games on the sidelines. His last competitive match came on May 20, 2023, as a substitute against Cape Town City FC.
Over his five-year spell at Kaizer Chiefs, Billiat featured in 97 out of a possible 150 Premiership matches.
Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague him, causing him to miss a total of 53 games for the club.
Yadah’s medical facilities and personnel might not be on par with those of bigger clubs like Chiefs.
THE VERDICT
Billiat, who arrived in South Africa as a 19-year-old teenager, has traded the bright lights of the South African league for a less glamorous setting.
This gamble looks unlikely to pay off, at least in my eyes. Only time will tell if Yadah becomes a platform for his second coming or a footnote in his illustrious career.
It’s important to remember that every decision has multiple facets, and judging it solely based on financial gain or league prestige might not paint the entire picture.
Ultimately, only Khama Billiat knows his true motivations, and his success will be measured not just by trophies but also by personal fulfilment and a fulfilling career trajectory.
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