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Tadious Manyepo – Sports Reporter
Yadah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
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KHAMA Billiat demonstrated why he is the real deal at the moment with yet another sublime performance that he capped off with a brilliant goal in this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victory at the Heart Stadium yesterday.
The Warriors star went into this Harare derby showdown with a score to settle against the Students, having seen red in the reverse tie, which Yadah lost 1-0 at Rufaro, some two months ago.
The 33-year-old’s quality was on full display right from the moment referee Allan Bhasvi blew the first whistle at exactly 3:22pm.
The home side were dominant in those opening phases, thanks in large part to Billiat’s sharpness in his Number 10 role.
And the dominance would soon reflect on the scoreboard with seasoned winger Tafadzwa Rusike lofting a good ball onto the path of Billiat who met it first time at the near post and sliced home into the roof of the net.
Herentals goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi could have done better maybe but the sting in that ball coupled with the intelligence of its taker were just too good.
Yadah should have doubled their lead 10 minutes later but Jerry Chipangura tried to be too elaborate, locking in the defender and getting too many touches as a result, allowed Herentals to clear the mess.
The Students immediately took control of the proceedings.
Ali Maliselo should have headed in the equaliser two minutes before the break but he somehow failed to direct his header with a yawning goal.
The second half belonged to the guests who bossed the ball and the territory with 53-year-old Innocent Benza spicing the movements with some incredible deft touches.
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Zibusiso Ruguchu twice had his looping free-kicks missing the crossbar by inches and captain Blessing Majarira had the best chance to draw level but his execution was not up to scratch.
On the opposite end, Billiat was mesmerising.
He is perhaps the same version or maybe a better one of that player who drove South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League crown in 2016.
Warriors coach Michael Nees, who watched yesterday’s game should have left the stadium even more satisfied and beating his chest that he made the right decision to convince the talisman to come out of international retirement.
“I would like to give it to my teammates. It was a good game and when that ball came, I had two things in my mind.
“The temptation was to lay it on for my teammate but then I knew the goalkeeper had drifted in and then I took it in,” said Billiat.
“We wanted to win it, especially given what happened in the first game when I was dismissed.
“We need to be disciplined and play with a lot of purpose. I am happy we did just that.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs man is now joint leading scorer in the league with 11 goals along with CAPS United’s William Manondo.
Yadah took their points tally to 33 but remained 11th on the log.
Although they are still not entirely safe from relegation, the Miracle Boys can breathe easily after yesterday’s result.
Herentals’ aspirations for a top-four finish are still on but they need to get it right according to their coach Paul Benza.
Online Reporter