Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Ntokozo Sikhakhane has come to the defence of the under-fire Khama Billiat, who hasn’t lived up to expectations in the Gold and Black shirt.
The Zimbabwean-born attacker, Billiat, joined Amakhosi on a free transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018 after he had been their dream signing for quite a while.
The 32-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of June in 2023.
From January onwards, the 2015/16 PSL Footballer of the Season will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club of his choice.
While many have called for the non-renewal of Billiat’s contract, Sikhakhane says the former Ajax Cape Town man should be kept at the club so his experience can rub off on the youngsters.
He also believes that “it’s only a matter of time” before Billiat turns things around.
HOW EXTENDING BILLIAT’S CONTRACT CAN BENEFIT CHIEFS
“He hasn’t delivered accordingly since people had high expectations for him as he was coming from Sundowns where he was performing well, but he is a good player,” Sikhakhane told FARPost.
“He can guide the youngsters because he has the experience, it’s just a matter of picking up his form.
“Every player reaches a stage where they are off-form.
“He is still 32, so they can give him two years because experience is there.
“People don’t understand that when you are off-form, you end up losing confidence, so you need to perform in one or two games and get back to yourself.
“Just like [Keagan] Dolly, people were complaining [about him] last season but he’s much better now.
“So, they have to motivate Billiat, too; he will bounce back.”
In 125 matches Billiat has played for Chiefs, he has scored 24 goals and provided 29 assists.
OTHER PLAYERS CHIEFS COULD LOSE FOR FREE IN JUNE
Other Chiefs players whose contracts are coming to an end in June next year are Sfiso Hlanti, Njabulo Blom, Itumeleng Khune, Phathutshedzo Nange and Eric Mathoho.
All the aforementioned members of Amakhosi will be able to sign the pre-contract agreements with the clubs of their choice within the last six months of their contracts.
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