Khama Billiat makes emotional return to South Africa in Warriors shirt

Namibia AFCON duel to become first professional match he will play on South African soil since exit

Emotional return ... Khama Billiat's return to South Africa on national duty likely to attract few local fans with fond memories of the football sensation

HARARE – Zimbabwe Warriors and former Kaizer Chiefs utility star Khama Billiat is set for an emotional return to South Africa on national duty this week, months after he found himself laid off there only to be given a lifeline to revive his illustrious career by Yadah in the Zimbabwean premiership.

Billiat, arguably one of the best Zimbabwean football exports in the past two decades, had stints with top South African clubs Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs where he won many football accolades.

The pinnacle of his career was at Mamelodi Sundowns where he helped the Pretoria based giants clinch the CAF Champions League in 2016, and later with Kaizer Chiefs where he once became the most paid footballer on South African soil.

However, following a fall-out with Kaizer Chiefs after contractual disagreements between the parties, Billiat found himself clubless over a long period, forcing him to retrace his steps to the Zimbabwean football league where he was offered a sumptuous deal by Yadah.

He would later reverse his decision to retire from international football after being promised an immediate call-up to the Warriors fold where he has formed the nucleus of new coach Michael Nees’ attacking apparatus.

But despite his loss of affection with his former paymasters next door, Billiat left lasting memories in South Africa and his presence in Warriors colours against Namibia inside the week would likely attract few South African football fans with fond memories of the star to Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium, venue for back-to-back AFCON qualifying clashes between the neighbours this Thursday and on Monday next week.

One prominent South African who was awed by Billiat is his former coach at Mamelodi Sundowns, Pisto Mosimane who hailed the tiny-framed football magician as one of the best he has mentored.

“Class is permanent. One of the best players I have ever coached,” Mosimane wrote on X recently while reacting to Billiat’s decision to renew his dance with the Warriors.

“I phoned him for a full year, every week convincing him that I will give him support and platform to showcase his talent and that he is the one to help us win CAF Champions League.”