Former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Khama Billiat has justified his decision—and that of other players—to return to Zimbabwe at a time when they appeared to still have much to offer in the Betway Premiership.
Now at Scottland FC, where he is arguably their best performer, Billiat reflects on closing a 13-year club career in South Africa. Scottland are also home to another former Chiefs star, Knowledge Musona and defender Lincoln Zvasiya, who is a fitness coach.
Goalkeeper Talbert Shumba, formerly with Free State Stars, as well as ex-Polokwane City FC attacker Walter Musona, are at the Harare-based side. Terrence Dzvukamanja, who previously had a stint at Orlando Pirates has just left Scottland for Hunters FC in the same league.
At Hunters, Dzvukamanja teams up with Ronald Pfumbidzai, who dumped SuperSport United for Scottland, having also turned out for Bloemfontein Celtic FC and Chippa United before. Right-back Emmanuel Jalai is on loan at the Zimbabwean champions from Durban City FC.
Defender Kelvin Moyo, who had a spell at Chippa United, is also at Scottland FC, where he arrived with his twin brother Elvis, who has, however, left for Bulawayo City FC.
KHAMA BILLIAT’S ROAD TO SCOTTLAND FC AFTER LEAVING KAIZER CHIEFS
Billiat turned down a downwardly revised new deal Chiefs had offered him following the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2022/23 season. That marked the end of his five seasons at Naturena and 13 years playing PSL football.
Then-Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League side Yadah FC lured him after he could not accept the Amakhosi offer. It heralded a new era in Billiat’s career as he returned home, where he previously had a three-month stint at giants CAPS United in 2010 before Cape Town Spurs [then Ajax Cape Town] came calling.
Starting out his PSL career at CT Spurs in July 2010, Billiat was then snapped up by Sundowns in 2013. But after helping the Brazilians win the 2016 CAF Champions League, the Zimbabwe international then secured a transfer to Chiefs before the start of the 2018/19 season.
Having not accepted a new deal tabled by Amakhosi, an almost eight-month period without a club was ended by Yadah where he spent just a season before ambitious side Scottland won his signature. Scottland have now accommodated a number of ex-PSL stars.
“The league is actually growing, and it’s amazing how football is moving back home. We really appreciate everything that is happening back home,” Billiat told FARPost.
“We thought it would drop the level and all that, but football is actually growing everyday. And we really appreciate being there. We feel like we are back home at the right time.”
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