Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KHAMA Billiat is humbled by how the nation welcomed him back into the national team fold almost three years after announcing his international retirement.
The Yadah forward left the stage in 2021 in what was a surprise move back then given the ex-CAPS United man was still at the peak of his powers while playing for South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.
However, things would go south for him after he refused to renew his stay at Naturena with Yadah extended an olive branch for him to revive his career locally.
After showing some good signs in the Premiership where he has now scored 13 goals, Warriors coach Michael Nees convinced him to come out of retirement as Zimbabwe was preparing to play Kenya in a Group J 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opening qualifier in Uganda two months ago.
Billiat agreed and made a sensational U-turn but he has proven why calls for him to return to the national squad were growing louder each day he was mesmerising in the domestic scene.
But the former Mamelodi Sundowns star wasn’t sure how the nation would react to the U-turn.
He has since inspired the team to crucial points that have them on the verge of qualifying for the AFCON tournament in Morocco next year should they avoid defeat against Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday.
“I am feeling very good. I would like to thank the technical team, the players, and all Zimbabweans out there for accepting me and making me feel comfortable and showing me the love that they are showing and all the love that they have for the nation,” said Billiat.
“I would like to say to all Zimbabweans that thank you so much for everything that you have done for our nation and the support you give us. We see it, we feel it and it motivates us every day.
“We are out here to give everything for our nation and we pray to God that we come out victorious.”
Billiat said Friday’s match is Zimbabwe’s most important game and the players ought to concentrate to get a result.
“It’s a very important game. I think this is the most important out of them all. We are in a situation where everything is in our hands. It is something that we can control.
“We are going into this game knowing very well what’s on stake and we know very well that this is the most important game,” Billiat added.
“At the same time, we are trying by all means to concentrate. We are trying as much as we can to concentrate and to be calm. We should be at our best on the day.”
Zimbabwe should pick at least a point against Kenya on Friday to ensure progress, that is not to say they are a point away from booking a ticket to Morocco as defeat will mean they will need a victory against Cameroon in Yaoundé next week.
The group, which also has Namibia who are already out of the running, is delicately poised with Cameroon already having booked their place in the AFCON finals.
And Billiat says the chemistry in the team will carry the day for the Warriors.
“It’s something that is out of this world and we need to appreciate the chemistry that we have.
It’s not every day that we have that chemistry in football, it is always difficult to have those very important elements in the game.
“We are grateful to have that, it makes us feel good and when you feel good, you also do well,” he said.
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