Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR years, Zimbabwean football fans have been treated to a full menu of thrills and spills served by Khama Billiat, a talented former Warriors talisman, who was raised in Mufakose.
Billiat, now on the books of Castle Lager Premier Soccer League kings Scottland, first starred for Ajax Cape Town before making his breakthrough move to heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns with whom he won the 2016 CAF Champions League title.
He also featured for Kaizer Chiefs before tracing his roots back to Zimbabwe to initially join Yadah Stars two seasons ago and then moving Scottland last year.
Interestingly, there is another Billiat in town and his name is Stanley.
The 23-year-old Malawian winger might not be related to Khama, but he is already causing waves at Harare giants Dynamos.
Stanley was in top form when DeMbare edged TelOne 2-1, albeit in muddy conditions at Ascot last weekend.
He is now expected to light up Rufaro when Dynamos host Highlanders in the latest instalment of the famed Battle of Zimbabwe Premiership showdown on Sunday.
The former Nyasa Big Bullets winger insists that he wants do the talking more on the pitch.
“To be honest, everything has been amazing since I came here to Zimbabwe.
“Everything is going on well since we started the season and I think everyone is ready for the match against Highlanders,” said Stanley.
Of course, he knows a lot about Khama, although the pair has never interacted.
“I know Khama (Billiat) a lot, I have watched him play, he is a great player but we have never spoken,” revealed Billiat.
DeMbare coach, Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe is not hiding his admiration for Billiat, who won four league titles with Malawi giants Nyasa Big Bullets.
“Dynamos is a big club here in Zimbabwe I think it’s a dream of every player to play a big club like Dynamos, so I chose to play Dynamos’’.
Nyasa Big Bullets were under the tutelage of record-breaking Zimbabwean coach Kalisto Pasuwa when they overran opponents in the Malawian top-flight league. It was Pasuwa, now Malawi national coach, who recommended Billiat to Dynamos early this year.
“Billiat was highly recommended by Mana (Pasuwa) and what the respected gaffer told us about the boy is what we are seeing every day at training,” said Mangombe.
“He is a good winger, he has got speed and his technical ability is perfect.”
Stanley played 74 times for Nyasa Big Bullets and scored 13 goals. His stay at the Malawi giants helped shape Stanley’s character.
Just like at Dynamos where expectations are always high, there is also pressure at Nyasa Big Bullets, 17-time winners of the Super League of Malawi.
DeMbare have a total of 21 league championships and are Zimbabwe’s most successful club.
“Billiat’s background makes him an ideal Dynamos player. He is one guy who has quickly adjusted to the Dynamos tradition, in terms of knowing expectations from fans, expectations from the technical team.
“He is doing so well and he is giving us another dimension, as we now have stiff competition in terms of our attack force.
“We expect to see a lot more from Billiat. The boy is capable of doing wonders,” purred Mangombe.
DeMbare go into the Battle of Zimbabwe buoyed by last weekend’s victory against TelOne, their first win on Match Day One since 2023.
Highlanders will arrive in the capital on the back of a 1-1 draw against Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields.
The last time these two giants met, Bosso edged DeMbare 1-0 in the Jairos Jiri Cup , a Charity match at Barbourfields on February 15.
So, perhaps Sunday could be a chance for Dynamos to avenge that defeat.
