Former Warriors manager Wellington Mpandare has urged referees to protect the frequently fouled Yadah star Khama Billiat for him to thrive in the local league.
The tricky winger has suffered from dangerous fouls and sneaky challenges in the matches that he has played for his new club since the start of the season.
Mpandare, who played a critical role in the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star’s return to the domestic league, is increasingly worried that the player is being targeted by opponents and it could lead to him sustaining a serious injury.
Against Simba Bhora on Saturday last week, the 34-year-old took a heavy kick which left him with a swollen calf.
He was substituted in the 40th minute as a result and will miss his team's away match against TelOne on Saturday because of the injury.
Mpandare believes the former Warriors' posterboy whose Kaizer Chiefs career was blighted by injuries, needs to be looked after more by referees.
"Khama is coming with big status which is good for our domestic league," Mpandare said.
He said it was normal that a player of his caliber attracted more attention from defenders and is sometimes cynically marked.
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Mpandare feels it is the duty of match officials to protect such players to prolong their careers and give the fans what they pay for.
"The interest in our league has doubled, even tripled since Khama came, but to be honest, I'm not happy with the way he has been treated by opponents.
“They appear to be targeting him. He is getting a lot of fouls and referees are not doing much to punish the culprits. The only time he looked like getting some protection from the match officials was in the tie against Dynamos. If nothing is done, players like him will not be able to show the supporters the ability that they have. People are paying a lot of money to watch him play so referees must play their part as well before he is seriously injured."
Billiat has been ruled out of Yadah's trip to league returnees TelOne as he recovers from the injury he picked at the weekend against Simba Bhora.
The Miracle Boys are still searching for their first league win after five rounds of matches.
They have lost three times and drawn twice to lie bottom of the log standings with two points from a possible 15.
Matchday six fixtures
Saturday: Bikita Minerals v Bulawayo Chiefs (Sakubva), TelOne v Yadah (Bata), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Highlanders (Baobab), Chicken Inn v GreenFuel (Luveve), Herentals v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro).
Sunday: Simba Bhora v Dynamos (Wadzanai), Chegutu Pirates v Hwange (Baobab), Caps United v Zpc Kariba (Rufaro), Arenel Movers v Fc Platinum (Luveve).
