Ex-Chiefs striker outlines reasons why Zwane should push to keep Khama Billiat
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Kelvin Mushangazhike has urged Arthur Zwane to be at the forefront of lobbying the club to keep Khama Billiat despite his dip in form.
Unlike his compatriot, Tinashe Nengomasha, who believes Billiat does not deserve a contract renewal, Mushangazhike reckons that there are more reasons for the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star to stay than be cut into the wilderness.
“I have been there. I played with Zwane [Chiefs head coach]. He was a smart player, and that is one of the reasons Billiat fits well in the team because he is smart,” Mushangazhike told FARPost.
“For every player, form is not permanent and that can never be used as a yardstick to judge a player. Lets look at the abilities.
“Khama is that kind of player who you want in your team no matter what. He is a big game player. He is a natural winner and we all know how opposition defenders are wary of him.
“We can’t take away anything from him but the truth is Khama is a player any coach can rely on under normal circumstances.”
‘KHAMA BILLIAT’S EXPERIENCE IS A TREASURE’
Mushangazhike opines that Billiat’s experience is a treasure is not worthy letting go for Zwane in his maiden season as head coach.
“If you look at Zwane’s team, there are experienced players. He values players that are experienced,” added the retired Chiefs forward.
“And to be honest, the experience that he [Khama Billiat] possesses is a treasure worth keeping especially when it comes to these big games.
“In fact, those outright strikers might actually benefit a lot from him. I don’t want to take away anything from the other players but I think Khama’s experience is more valuable to Chiefs and Zwane’s kind of play.”
The former Zimbabwean International’s future is up in the air again as he enters the last six months of his contract with the Soweto giants.
Billiat is yet to score in the 2022/23 season in Chiefs colours after eleven appearances in all competitions. But he has three assists to his name,
The 32-year-old has won several trophies in his career including three DStv Premiership titles and the CAF Champions League in 2016 with Sundowns. However, he is yet to lift any silverware since joining the club in 2018.
To date, Billiat has made 125 appearances for Chiefs; scoring 24 goals and providing 29 assists.
And being one of the highly-paid players at Amakhosi, Billiat is failing to justify his billing.
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