Khama open to Warriors return

By Henry Mhara | Mar. 1, 2024 | 3 Min read

Speaking to the media afterwards, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs player who is returning to local football after 14 years said he is overwhelmed by the love he is receiving from the local supporters.

Premier Soccer League side Yadah Stars new signing Khama Billiat is open to a return to the Warriors fold because of his "love for the country."

The 33-year-old called time on his international career in November 2021 after spending a decade playing for the Warriors.

Billiat was unveiled by the ambitious Premiership club on Thursday evening, receiving a heroes welcome at a heaving Heart Stadium.

"I want to enjoy every minute of my football here," Billiat said

"If everything is enjoyable, you never know. I'm not promising anything, but i love my country so much, and now that I'm back home and feeling so much loved, I can still change my mind (to play for the Warriors). I just want to hit the ground running and enjoy every minute like I said. Im feeling great being here, and being given so much love. I truly appreciate it and I'm looking forward to enjoy my football here. I thank God that I still have a chance to play football here."

Billiat said he decided to join Yadah because it's a "special club" and was charmed by their type of football.

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The former South Africa Player of the Year signed a year contract worth over $50 000 after his acrimonious split with Kaizer Chiefs last June.

He was this week given a top of the range vehicle to use by his new club as part of his package.

"I don't think I have felt anything like this before," an emotional Billiat said. "There is so much love that I'm getting... it's amazing and overwhelming. I can't wait for the games to start.

"Yadah is a special team, I have been watching them. They play beautiful passing football, which I'm used to having came through an academy. This is the only place I could come to. They (Yadah) showed so much love for me as well. They sacrificed a lot to get me, and I appreciate it. This is amazing, and I couldn't think of going anywhere else."

Yadah owner Prophet Walter Magaya said Billiat's presence will elevate the domestic league value and could trigger an improved supporters' attendance at stadiums.

Magaya said he was in the process of luring other big name players based abroad back into the country, including former Warriors vice captain Ovidy Karuru. He also backed Billiat and former Warriors skipper Knowledge Musona to bounce back into the national team fold.

The packed newly built Heart Stadium erupted when Billiat walked onto the pitch to be greeted by his new teammates who had formed a guard of honour to welcome the superstar.

A customery juggling of the ball followed, greeted by deafening roars from the stands, and he reciprocated by saluting the crowd.

Former Warriors manager Officials from ZIFA, SRC, Footballers Union of Zimbabwe, former Warriors manager Wellington Mpandare who brokered Billiat's deal to Yadah, football supporters, club officials and other football stakeholders formed part of the cheering crowd.

His mother and sisters attended the ceremony, along with a number of socialites including Madam Boss, Dj Fantan and Mike Chimombe.

Mpandare believes the love being showered to Billiat will spur him on as he looks to resuscitate his career.

“A player performs well when he is shown love by those around him. Knowing Khama, he is greatly affected by negativity and harsh criticism, but he thrives in an environment where he is shown love,” Mpandare reckons

“That explains why he excelled in the national team because he was shown immense love by everyone. So the same love he is getting here will definitely encourage him to do well."