Wenslus Murape
Langton Nyakwenda in KAMPALA, Uganda
KHAMA BILLIAT is feeling the love from the people of Uganda, most of whom him for his starring role at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he played alongside former Cranes skipper and legendary keeper Dennis Onyango.
The duo led Masandawana to their only CAF Champions League title in 2016, and since then, Billiat has been a household name in Kampala.
Although Billiat is no longer playing in South Africa, he remains connected with the Ugandans as he is now teammates with Ugandan keeper Mathias Kigonya at Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side Yadah.
“We know Khama Billiat very well, he used to dazzle for Mamelodi Sundowns some years ago and we used to enjoy his skills on television,” a local from Kireka, a sprawling high surbub in Kampala said.
“The fact that he played alongside our own hero Onyango makes him very popular here,” he added.
Fans in Kampala will now have a chance to watch Billiat up close when Zimbabwe play Kenya in a Group J African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Mandela National Stadium this afternoon.
The match kicks off at 3PM Zimbabwean time and Billiat will start on the left wing, in a mouth-watering front line that also includes Prince Dube, Walter Musona and Tawanda Chirewa.
The 34-year-old Billiat has made a sensational return to the national team after three years in retirement.
Billiat has renewed vigour, as he wants to prove that he is still not past his prime.
He has been doing so well in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League where he is the joint top scorer with 10 goals.
The former Kaizer Chiefs man now wants to transfer that form to the national team.
“This is our nation and we need to fight as a nation,” said Billiat, a few minutes before the Warriors held their last training session at the match venue yesterday afternoon.
“I feel at home (here in Kampala), they (Ugandans) have been so nice from the day we arrived.
“I hope that will play a big role for us,” said Billiat.
Zimbabwe begin their quest to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations finals in Morocco with a date against bogey side Kenya.
The Harambee Stars have not lost against the Warriors since 2008.
Recently, Kenya beat Zimbabwe in a friendly match in March and at the COSAFA Cup finals in July.
But the Warriors are hoping for a change of fortunes this time around and Billiat has declared war on the East Africans.
They are also talking a lot about Billiat in Kenya, as their coach Engin Firat has singled out the pint sized winger as a danger.
He was quoted by Mozzart Sport of Kenya on Wednesday: “Zimbabwe has no squad problems; all their players are fit and available.
“Even those who were previously absent, like Khama Billiat, have returned.
“He (Billiat) is a very good player, someone who came out of retirement, and they also have a new coach.”
Online Reporter