The Siya crew has spoken to a secret agent on the situation of Kaizer Chiefs attacker Khama Billiat, who looks closer to an exit from Amakhosi than ever before. According to the agent, he fears that Billiat could be on the same path as Lebogang Manyama, Leonardo Castro and Samir Nurkovic who have parted ways with the Glamour Boys.
Who is the player
Khama Billiat, 32, a former Zimbabwean international who has widely been regarded been regarded as one of the best imports to hit the DStv Premiership. Since his time at Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs) he has experienced a meteoric rise from his arrival in 2010. He was a superstar during his five-year stint at Mamelodi Sundowns where he won a number of trophies and was crowned the PSL Player of the Season in 2016. There was hope that Billiat would continue his upward trajectory at Kaizer Chiefs following his move in 2018, however things have not quite worked out for him at Amakhosi.
What Transfermarkt says
The latest figures on Transfermarkt, show that the Zimbabwean boasts a market value of €800 000 (±R15.3m), which is €1.2 million (±R23.4m) less than the value he had when he first arrived at Chiefs, ranked as the league's most valuable player in 2019 with a market value of €2m (±R39.0m). The decline in Billiat's game and market value has been steady. Having been ruled out through injury for the rest of the season, it is likely that Billiat's market value is set to nosedive even further. It is worth noting that he is still the fourth most valuable player at Chiefs behind Keagan Dolly €1.2 million (±R29.3m), Zitha Kwinika €1 million (±R19.5m), and Siyethemba Sithebe €850 000 (±R16.6m).
Secret agent on the player
The Siya crew spoke to a top agent in SA to get their expert understanding on what's going on. For obvious reasons, the agent will remain anonymous.
"I fear for Billiat hey. I think his time at Chiefs is over. History has shown that players tend to disappear after leaving Chiefs. Where is [Lebogang] Manyama now? Where is [Leonardo] Castro, where is [Samir] Nurkovic? Can you see where I'm getting at? These are players who last season were still considered among the best in the league, how could they just have disappeared? History has shown that players tend to go downhill in their careers after Chiefs. Everything changes. You are no longer in the papers, if you are, it is to speak of your decline as 'an ex-Chiefs player'. You can guarantee that he will not earn anywhere close to what he was earning at Chiefs. He is 32 now, anywhere he goes will be a downgrade from Chiefs, with all due respect to other clubs in the PSL. I fear for him. I do."
Contract status
Billiat will see his contract with Chiefs expire in June 2023, with indications that his appearance in the Soweto Derby in their 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates in December last year could have been Billiat's last in an Amakhosi jersey. He initially joined the club on a three-year deal in 2018, which was set to end in 2021. However, at the time Chiefs decided to offer the pint-sized playmaker a two-year extension alongside Itumeleng Khune (2 years), Lebogang Manyama (1 year + 1 year option), Bernard Parker (1 year), Ramahlwe Mphahlele (1 year). Of the five players whose contracts were extended in 2021, only Khune and Billiat survive. Although indications are that Billiat is headed for the exit door at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Buy-out clause
With Billiat set to become a free agent in just over three months' time, the buy-out clause does not apply to him in this instance. However, at the peak of his powers, Billiat was one of the most sought after players in the country and one can imagine that a buy-out clause would have been a high figure during his time with Sundowns, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and Egypt believed to be snooping around the player at the time. He eventually left the Brazilians as a free agent in 2018, joining Chiefs on a three-year deal.
How much in SA and where?
Billiat's next move will be an interesting one, if he does leave Chiefs at the end of the season. The Zimbabwean is understood to be one of the highest earners at Naturena, and with a package like his, a number of clubs would be ruled out given his current package, which leaves only two clubs who can afford the attacker at this moment – Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Sundowns were believed to be keen on Billiat back in 2020; however, with the Brazilians' array of stars, that ship appears to have sailed. Pirates, on the other hand, are unlikely to pursue a 32-year-old player who has just parted ways with their rivals. There are clubs like AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United who pay competitive salaries; although indications are that Billiat will most likely take a pay cut should he remain in the DStv Premiership.
How Much In Europe And Where?
Back in 2018, former Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas heralded Billiat as the best player in the country, saying that the Zimbabwean should be playing his football in Europe.
"For me‚ Billiat is an amazing player‚ a top player. In my opinion‚ with no disrespect to other players from other clubs‚ Billiat is the best player in the league. The best striker. Billiat in my opinion can play in Europe without a problem. This guy is not for this league. He could perform in Europe very well‚ comfortably," He told media at the time.
At 32, Billiat's chances of securing a move to one of the major European leagues are slim. There was however, optimism that he would make his way to Europe on the back of Sundowns' 2016 CAF Champions League campaign.
Should Billiat make the move to Europe to wind down his career? Let us know in the comment section below!
