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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE international forward Khama Billiat is set to make his Soweto derby debut as Kazier Chiefs takes on Orlando Pirates in an ABSA Premiership match at FNB stadium today.
The clash is considered one of the most fiercely contested matches in African football and it was first contested in 1970. Matches between the two rivals attract a large fan base with home side Orlando Pirates announcing last week that all the 82 000 prematch tickets had been sold out.
Having suffered a back injury on national team duty, Billiat has been an injury doubt in the lead-up to the highly anticipated encounter after he sat out of Chiefs’ Telkom Knockout opener on Sunday.
He told Kaizer Chiefs’ website that he is looking forward to the Soweto Derby experience.
“The Soweto Derby is like no other derby or game in the country. The whole country virtually comes to a complete halt when the two Soweto giants meet and we know that it is an important occasion for the fans. I have been in South Africa for several years and watched the Soweto Derby on television but have never attended the game. It’s a huge privilege to be a part of this spectacle for the first time and I am looking forward to the experience as a player especially in Kaizer Chiefs colours. I know the atmosphere will be electric and we have to live up to the expectations of the Amakhosi supporters,” said Billiat.
The Zimbabwean playmaker signed for Chiefs on a free transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns in the off-season and has been instrumental in Amakhosi wins.
Having found his feet at the club, the 28-year-old talisman saw his hard work recognised after being crowned Player of the Month for September in the Absa premiership.
His coach Giovanni Solinas walked away with Coach of the Month award.
Billiat is jointly leading the ABSA premiership goal scorers chart with fellow countryman Evans Rusike of Supersport United with four goals.
He has the most shots on target in the league with 11 attempts and three assists.
-@khumzallen
derick.khumalo