Former Kaizer Chiefs Willard Katsande has explained why he believes it is the right time for Khama Billiat to end his five-year stay at the club.
Chiefs recently issued a statement on their website about Billiat, who is no longer their player after his contract expired on June 30.
The Soweto giants revealed that they offered Billiat a new deal but that they could not get hold of the Zimbabwean attacker. The club last heard from the 2015/16 season’s recipient of the PSL Player of the Season award on June 29.
Billiat, who joined Amakhosi in 2018, is not part of Chiefs’ pre-season camp as he is reportedly weighing his options.
It is said that Chiefs tabled a new contract to Billiat with a reduced package. However, the player is not interested and hopes to find a team that’d match his wage expectations in North Africa or Saudi Arabia.
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“Khama is my boy, and my boy is a good boy. Obviously, they [Billiat and Chiefs] didn’t reach an agreement over a new contract. I know both sides, and I understand both sides,” said Willard Katsande, as quoted by Sowetan.
“For the team, it’s a matter of trying to move in a direction where they prioritise younger players and for Billiat, he’s trying to look after himself because now he has a few years left [before retiring],”
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Billiat has failed to hit the heights he achieved with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he played a major role as the Tshwane giants won several trophies, including the CAF Champions League and DStv Premiership.
The 32-year-old Billiat didn’t live up to expectations at Chiefs, with the club not winning any piece of silverware with his presence.
“I feel like the two parties had a good journey, and obviously, every journey will get to its destination,” added Katsande, who played with Billiat at Chiefs.
“So, I think this is the final destination for both sides. I wish both sides all the best going forward. It’s been a good ride for Khama to be there for five years, and the club looked after him for all those years.”