Khama Billiat never anticipated returning to South Africa donning the Zimbabwean national team jersey after departing the country in February. The 33-year-old forward had officially retired from international football and was focused on reviving his career in the Zimbabwean domestic league following his exit from South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Upon his return to Zimbabwe, Billiat quickly became a highly sought-after player among top local clubs, with Dynamos, Manica Diamonds, and Yadah all eager to secure his services. Ultimately, Yadah won the race, thanks largely to the longstanding rapport between Billiat and the club’s proprietor, Prophet Walter Magaya.
Fast forward seven months and Billiat has rejuvenated his career and reestablished himself as one of the premier players in Zimbabwe’s Premiership. His impressive performances for Yadah have dispelled any lingering doubts about his abilities, showcasing that even as he approaches the twilight of his career, he possesses the skill and stamina to dominate the field.
Magaya, along with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), played a crucial role in convincing Billiat to return to international duty. After a brief hiatus from the national team, Billiat is back, poised to be the pivotal player he once was. His return comes at a crucial time as Zimbabwe gears up for back-to-back qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Namibia.
The first match will take place this Thursday at Orlando Stadium in South Africa, with the return fixture scheduled for the following Monday at the same venue. The Zimbabwean squad, featuring Billiat, arrived in South Africa to a warm welcome at OR Tambo International Airport, greeted by enthusiastic fans and the team’s partner, Zororo Phumulani.
Expressing his excitement about returning to South Africa, where he made his name with clubs like Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs, Billiat said, “I am excited about this opportunity and to be back in South Africa, where I spent the better part of my playing career. I am grateful to Prophet Walter Magaya, who gave me another chance at Yadah, where I’ve been able to rediscover myself and make my way back from international retirement.”
Billiat further credited Magaya for encouraging his comeback to the national team. “It is he who also convinced me to come out of international retirement, and here I am, back in the fold again,” he remarked.
As fans eagerly anticipate Billiat’s return to action, the upcoming qualifiers are expected to draw large crowds, with many excited to see him wear the Warriors’ colors once more. Meanwhile, Prophet Magaya is rumored to have ambitions for the ZIFA presidency, although he has yet to confirm his intentions. Regardless of his future in football administration, his influence on Billiat’s career and the resurgence of the Warriors is unmistakable.
In other news – Electric panel van handed over to President Mnangagwa by BYD Harare Chapter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphasized the importance of adopting modern technologies for any country aspiring to achieve development and modernization. In a world increasingly leaning towards sustainable solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining prominence as a viable alternative to fossil fuel-powered cars.
This week, the BYD Harare chapter, a subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant Build Your Dreams (BYD), presented an electric panel van to President Mnangagwa at the State House. Read More
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