dyton mupawaenda
Langton Nyakwenda
YADAH Stars coach Thomas Ruzive has a special plan for Khama Billiat, who is now expected to get more minutes, after playing a cameo role on his debut, during Match Day One of the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The 33-year-old Billiat, whose return to the local Premiership has triggered a frenzy, played the last 15 minutes when Yadah lost 0-1 against Hwange at the Colliery on March 10.
He almost scored on his debut, but was denied by the upright post, in a game he was also cheered on by the local fans.
Yadah coach Ruzive now expects Billiat to play a more crucial role, as the former Kaizer Chiefs star steadily adjusts to the local settings.
Billiat had some match fitness issues when he arrived at Yadah, having seen no action in over a year, but the former Warriors kingpin has been training hard at the Heart Stadium.
His fitness levels have risen remarkably and Ruzive is likely to start the 33-year-old forward when Yadah play Bikita Minerals in a rearranged PSL match at Sakubva on Sunday.
Bikita Minerals were finally declared Eastern Region Soccer League champions after a protracted boardroom battle that also involved Tenax and will start their debut top flight season with a backlog of fixtures.
“Khama (Billiat) is very fit and ready to face Bikita Minerals,” Ruzive said.
“The boy had a good show in Hwange despite playing for a few minutes. Overall, the team played well, it was only one mistake which cost us the game,” added Ruzive.
Yadah fell to a solitary goal by Gift Mbweti who is back in Hwange after some years at former champions FC Platinum.
The Miracle Boys are now targeting a win that should boost their morale ahead of the Easter holiday bumper fixtures.
“Billiat is an experienced player who can adjust to the most difficult conditions in the game.
“So I am confident he will adjust to the local league.
“We expect him to play more minutes in our next games,” said Ruzive.
The former Triangle United gaffer, who is now in his second stint with Yadah, is however wary of Bikita Minerals, who are coached by veteran Saul Chaminuka.
The Lithium Boys have also added some experienced players to their squad including 2010 Soccer Star of the Year finalist Allan Gahadzikwa.
“It’s a tricky game,” says Ruzive.
“Despite their promotion saga, Bikita Minerals will always be a threat because they have a very experienced coach in Saul Chaminuka.
“We should treat them with caution because they are dangerous,” he added.
Online Reporter