WILL BILLIAT STRIKE A DEAL?

KHAMA Billiat has been itching for a return to action in the South African Premiership after spending the first half season without a club.

But, after his appearance at the SuperSport United training pitch triggered expectations of the forward’s return, and a possible reunion with the likes of Onismor Bhasera, reports coming from South Africa do not give hope for any optimism.

The South African Premiership mid-season transfer window is set to be closed on midnight today although Billiat could still sign for a club of his choice outside the window.

As a free agent, Billiat is not guided by the window rules which apply to those players who are under contract.

The challenge with his situation is that club chiefs are usually reluctant to keep their slots open, when the transfer window shuts, because they can’t gamble on getting free agents.

Some reports have suggested that SuperSport decided against signing Billiat although there has been no confirmation from the club.

However, what is clear is that Billiat has fallen down the perking order that even the team at KickOff.com didn’t include his name on the list of the five big deals which are likely to be concluded by the end of today

Instead, they backed another Sundowns star, Junior Mendieta, to move.

“Sundowns took their time before announcing Argentine Matias Esquivel on Thursday, as they are understood to be having a foreign quota dilemma.

“The Brazilians’ foreign quota is currently exhausted with Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Marcelo Allende, Abubaker Nasir and Junior Mendieta.”

The team at KickOff.com also believe the Orlando Pirates duo of Bongan Sam and Monnapule Saleng, Riaan Hanamub (Amazulu) and Siyathemba Sithebe (Kaizer Chiefs) are likely to move.

Seleng’s case is a curious one as he was the league’s Players’ Player of the Season in the last campaign but has now lost his place in the Pirates starting XI.