Could Chiefs silence signal end of Khama’s SA era?

Philemon Jambaya

Khama Billiat’s contract with Kaizer Chiefs expired at the end of June, and his future is the subject of much speculation.

Just days before the end of his contract, Khama was one of the players the club sent for medicals. but as his contract expired on Friday, June 30, but there has been no word from the club regarding a new one.

A source confirmed that he was not part of the training session on Monday and Tuesday.

“He didn’t train in the last two days because his contract ended.'

The Chiefs are reportedly keen to keep Billiat at the club. The talented forward is also “open to staying” at Chiefs while “considering his options.

One option for Billiat is to move to a club in the Middle East, Asia or North Africa, where he has previously caught interest.

Ultimately, Billiat’s future will depend on several factors, including his personal preferences and the offers he receives from other clubs. He has been Zimbabwe’s standout player in South Africa in recent years.

The source said the club had proposed a new deal to extend for a year, which would see Khama take a huge pay cut.

"The club did speak to him about a new deal, but it looks like they couldn’t agree,” a source confirmed.

However, the former Zimbabwe international has not agreed, potentially ending his time at Naturena.

Interestingly, Chiefs have announced the departure of Phathutshedzo Nange, who has since joined SuperSport United. Cole Alexander and Erick Mathoho were the two other departures after cutting ties with the club.

Mathoho’s contract, like Billiat, had expired while Alexander took a settlement.

The 32-year-old Zimbabwean forward has been with Chiefs for five years, but during that period, the club has failed to recapture its old glory days.

During Khama's tenure, he highlight for Amakhosi has been reaching the CAF Champions League final under Gavin Hunt in 2021. Stuart Baxter then took over the reins as they lost to Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly 3-0.

Last season, the former Ajax Cape Town star missed the entire second half due to injuries, limiting him to only 12 appearances in the DStv Premiership.

KHAMA BILLIAT STATISTICS

KAIZER CHIEFS

2018/19 to 2022/23 (126 appearances, 24 goals, 29 assists)

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

2013/14 to 2017/18 (144 appearances, 48 goals, 43 assists)

AJAX CAPE TOWN

2010/11 to 2012/13 (92 appearances, 23 goals, 24 assists)

Overall in South Africa

362 appearances

95 goals

96 assists

HONOURS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Three league titles (2013/14, 2015/16 and 2017/18); Nedbank Cup (2014/15); CAF Champions League (2015/16); Telkom Knockout (2015/16); CAF Super Cup (2016/17).