‘They always target him’: Yadah FC coach speaks on Khama Billiat’s impact
Yadah FC coach Thomas Ruzive has opened up on Khama Billiat’s impact at the club, although he is being ‘targeted’ by opponents in Zimbabwe’s PSL.
The former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns star is still in fine fettle and has been the shining star for Yadah FC since his arrival at the Zimbabwe Premier League side this year.
So far, he has scored eight goals in the ongoing 2024 season and is now level with William Manondo of Caps United, who is also contending for the top scorer award.
In truth, Billiat has been Yadah FC’s magic piece, something his coach believes has had a positive impact on the budding players at the club.
THOMAS RUZIVE OUTLINES KHAM BILLIAT’S IMPACT
In an interview with FARPost, Yadah FC coach Ruzive acknowledged that Billiat is often the target of rough play, highlighting his importance and influence on the field. However, the coach also emphasized the attacker’s resilience, stating that he “plays on” despite the challenges.
More importantly, Billiat’s presence is credited with raising the overall standard of the league. Players are said to be elevating their game by trying to keep pace with Billiat’s skills, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the league.
“How my players handle themselves has changed tremendously since he came. It’s in a positive way of course, and I like it. They didn’t have a tendency to do extra training, but now they do it after seeing him push himself hard,” said Ruzive.
“He is a star that has raised our league, and more people now follow it. So now, he is the idol players look at. But if you look at it, he is being targeted when we play, especially against smaller teams.
“They hurting or fouling him can stop him. But he never does. At some point, it has been bad, but he still soldiers on.
“All eyes are on him, and teams plan around him, sadly. Moreso, that has opened up spaces for these youngesters to raise their game and compliment him. They are learning because you’ve to be exceptional if you can play with him.”
THE COACH BACKS KHAMA BILLIAT FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT
Ruzive also believes the 33-year-old will win the Zimbabwe Golden Boot this season.
“He will win the top scorer award. Unlike Evans Rusike, Billiat has given us results, what we want, and goals. He scores at crucial moments, and he has saved us on several occasions. It’s not by mistake that he is among the top scorers. I’m confident he will score more and possibly break one record or two,” Ruzive added.
It remains to be seen how Billiat will end the season, but his impact in Zimbabwe’s PSL has already been felt.
In the DStv Premiership, he won major trophies with Sundowns, including three league titles. He also helped them win a CAF Champions League and a CAF Super Cup title.
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