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UNCERTAINTY continues to haunt Khama Billiat’s future at Kaizer Chiefs with the Zimbabwean midfielder conspicuous by his absence in the Chiefs squad that is currently in Nelspruit to prepare for the upcoming season.
The 32-year-old, whose contract has ended with the Soweto giants, is said to be still in negotiation with the club, who reportedly had offered him a contract extension with a pay cut.
The team has travelled to Nelspruit to prepare for their pre-season without him and this could be an indication that the former CAF Champions League champion might be set to leave the club from Naturena.
It has been four days since his contract expired with the Chiefs, on 30 June and nothing between the player and team has been agreed on.
He has had an unfortunate stint during his four-year stay at the Naturena club after he joined from Sundowns as he has been out of action due to injuries most times.
Billiat has scored 27 goals and assisted 24 in 117 appearances with the South African club.
Whether Billiat stays or leaves Chiefs remains to be seen but it is no doubt that many other teams will be monitoring the situation at the Chiefs camp.
Billiat has been with Chiefs for five years, but during that period, the club has failed to recapture the old glory days.
During the period, the highlight for Amakhosi would have been reaching the CAF Champions League final under Gavin Hunt in 2021. Stuart Baxter then took over the reins as they lost to Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly 3-0.
Last season, the former Ajax Cape Town star missed the entire second half due to injuries, limiting him to only 12 appearances in the DStv Premiership.
Nonetheless, Chiefs were reportedly keen to keep Billiat at the club. The talented forward was also “open to staying” at Chiefs while “considering his options.”
Just days before the end of his contract, he was part of the players that did medicals last week.
His contract ended on Friday, June 30, but there has been no word from the club regarding his future.
Chiefs have announced the departure of Phathutshedzo Nange, who has since joined SuperSport United. Cole Alexander and Erick Mathoho were two other departures after cutting ties with the club. Mathoho’s contract, like Billiat, had expired while Alexander took a settlement.
A Chiefs player confirmed that he was not part of their training session on Monday and yesterday following the expiry of his deal.
“He didn’t train in the last two days because his contract ended. The club did speak to him about a new deal, but it looks like they couldn’t agree.
“We’re actually on our way to camp in Nelspruit, and Khama is not part of us,” a Chiefs player told FARPost.
Chiefs triggered their option to extend last year, which he wound up recently. The club had proposed a new deal, which would see him take a hefty pay cut. It would have meant another year in Chiefs’ colours if he had agreed.
However, the former Zimbabwe international has not agreed, potentially ending his time at Naturena.
One option for Billiat is to move to a club in the Middle East, Asia or North Africa, where he has previously caught interest. Ultimately, Billiat’s future will depend on several factors, including his personal preferences and the offers he receives from other clubs. He has been Zimbabwe’s stand-out player in South Africa in recent years. — Sports Reporter/Far Post
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