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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
PROPHET Walter Magaya believes former Warriors star Khama Billiat can still reinvigorate himself and turn back the hands of time this coming season.
Billiat surprised all and sundry after electing to join Yadah Stars ahead of Dynamos and Manica Diamonds.
He has spent closer to 10 months without competitive action since the expiry of his stay at South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Although Billiat was failing to get any suitors, since refusing to sign a downgraded renewal deal with Amakhosi, across Limpopo, his decision to retrace his footsteps into the local top-flight was a bit surprising, especially for someone who only last year was earning closer to a million rand per month.
Although he is currently the highest-earning local footballer, at a reported US$5 000 per month, that’s a fraction of what he used to get in South Africa.
But, at 33, Prophet Magaya says Billiat can still excel and even get lucrative foreign offers.
Billiat will be officially unveiled at the Heart Stadium this afternoon with entertainers like Fantan and Levels expected to spice up the mega-event.
“Look, Khama (Billiat) is only 33. How old is Messi or Christiano Ronaldo? I am not comparing him with those two super-stars but I am saying with the right attitude and focus, there is nothing that can prevent a player from doing well even when they are north of 30 years.
“I know Billiat very well. He still has it in his legs and I am saying he will do very well in the league,” said Magaya.
“He has an athletic frame and that’s an advantage on his part. His technical ability is top-notch and that should carry him over in the upcoming season.
“Before we decided to rope him in, we looked at all those factors and we do not doubt that he will do very well for the club.
“We are not going to exert any pressure on him but we know he is a top player. The platform that we have given him will make him excel because we know he is a good player.
“We have seen him in training along with his new teammates and the signs are very encouraging. Barring any injuries, he should be able to turn back the hands of time.”
Magaya said the leadership qualities shown by Billiat are striking.
“If you look at what Billiat has achieved in his career across the Limpopo and the national team, obviously you wouldn’t expect him to be lining up for Yadah Stars.
“But because he is a leader, he is just showing others how it’s done and that everything is possible in the world of sport. He has come full circle and this move shows just how humble Billiat is.
“He is a natural leader and I am very happy that he decided to sign for Yadah,” he said.
“By doing what he has just done, Billiat is showing others that it is possible to play at the highest level and then you can also come back to where it all began.
“I tell you, others have learnt a huge lesson from Billiat’s move and that’s what leaders do.”
It will be interesting to see how Yadah will line-up with Billiat in the fold.
Currently, from the practice matches that they have had, Yadah Stars coach Thomas Ruzive has been deploying a 4-3-3 formation with King Nadolo and Vincent Sango in the wings while Jerry Chipangura has been the center-forward.
Now with Billiat in the team, either Nadolo or Sango could pave the way for the talisman or Ruzive will move Nadolo back to a behind-striker role replacing Prosper Kafelapanjila and Billiat takes up his role in the wings.
Yadah Stars have suddenly become a star attraction in the league and everyone will be eager to see how they carry themselves in the league especially having survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, only able to stay afloat after beating giants Dynamos 2-1 on the final day of the term.
They have galvanised their squad though and they could give some really good punches.
The Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries side has two players who have league medals from last season, Ariel Makopa and Marlon Mushonga, in their fold.
The pair played some huge roles for reigning champions Ngezi Platinum Stars last season. Makopa has since penned a two-year deal with the team while Mushonga will be at Yadah on a season-long loan from the Mhondoro team.
Online Reporter