I MISS KHAMA – DOLLY

Blessing Malinganiza

KHAMA Billiat’s absence is being felt by his Kaizer Chiefs partner Keagan Dolly.

Dolly said the absence of the Zimbabwean forward has negatively affected his performance.

“I miss playing with Khama. We all know what he can bring on the pitch, his experience, his quality, and just our understanding, you know.

“But, it’s part of the game, he’s out, and there are other players who can come in and do the job.

“It’s just for us to start understanding each other, and I think that’s been the main problem in our inconsistencies, of trying to get combinations right.

“One player gets injured, and another player comes in.”

Dolly, who was speaking to South African publication iDiski Times, added:

Think Christian came into the squad. He’s a new player still trying to adapt to the way we play — so it’s progress for us.

“We need to keep on working on it until we get it right again.”

Billiat was ruled out for the rest of the season due to an injury.

The Amakhosi have struggled all season although they had cause to celebrate on Saturday when they completed the double over arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.

Chiefs needed a late own goal from Olisa Ndah at the FNB Stadium to emerge victorious. It will also buy some time for coach Arthur Zwane.

Reports had suggested he would lose his job if the Amakhosi lost the Derby.

“We always want to put a smile on their faces,” said Zwane. “We always want to see them happy.

“But it is just another six points for us. I would not want my players to focus only on beating Orlando Pirates.

“We want to beat every team that we come across because the league is a marathon.

“It is not just about winning against Orlando Pirates. But yes, it is very important for us as a club…

“Knowing the history (of the Soweto derby), whenever we play against Pirates we have to beat them.”

He added:

“As a club, we have a plan and as time goes on everyone will see it.

“Many other teams had plans and it is now visible for everyone to see.

“You can see where they started and where they are now.

“And soon — but if not soon — later you will all be able to see where we are going as a club.”