daniel chigunwe
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WE picked Khama Billiat for the Soccer Star of the Year and while he did not win it, the fans backed our choice.
Billiat finished third behind Walter Musona and Lynoth Chikuhwa.
But, he won the Fans Choice Player of the Year award.
Billiat is revitalised and is feeling like a young man again.
His decision to start the journey all over again in the local league has delivered its first dividends.
The 34-year-old thoroughly deserved the recognition after a good season with Yadah where he scored 13 goals and provided as many assists to save them from relegation.
Billiat returned home after close to 13 years in the South African Premiership following a not-so-fruitful period with the Amakhosi.
He refused to renew his stay at Naturena and then seemed to slide into an awkward spot after failing to get suitors across the Limpopo.
And in March he retraced his footsteps back home. Besides starring for Yadah, Billiat also made a U-turn on his international retirement and has been grinding for the Warriors again.
“First of all I would like to give all glory to God, He has made all this possible and to be considered amongst the elite in the league is a great recognition,” said Billiat.
“It’s a call for more hard work and to do better each time I am on the pitch.”
With his contract with Yadah coming to an end on December 31, speculation over his future has been rife of late.
He is rumoured to be heading for newly-promoted Scottland while there are also reports linking him with a move back to South Africa.
The talented forward however said he will be revealing his next move at the right time.
“Right now, the focus shifts into celebrations and enjoying the break as well as the holidays,” said Billiat.
“Then, maybe in due time I will have the future planned with the assignments that come with it.”
Billiat got to experience how it feels to be celebrated in the local league when league sponsors Delta Beverages, through their Castle Lager brand, threw a huge function to honour the outstanding stars.
It was a night to remember for Billiat who in 2017 swept the board in South Africa including winning the Player of the Year gong.
He came close to winning the biggest prize in the local league but he was pipped by Simba Bhora’s Walter Musona who won it for the second time inside two years having also triumphed in 2022 when he was still with FC Platinum.
Golden Boot winner Lynoth Chikuhwa of Highlanders who scored 17 goals was the first runner-up.
Champions Simba Bhora dominated the awards with four more players – Isheanesu Mauchi, Webster Tafa, Tymon Machope and Blessing Moyo also making the Best XI.
The pair of CAPS United players Kingsley Mureremba and Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos) and Donovan Benard of Chicken Inn completed the line-up.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter