"Pirates decided not to sign Khama"

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Oct 23, 2018. 13:00

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena has revealed that the Soweto giants decided against signing Khama Billiat.

The Zimbabwe international has been a revelation for Kaizer Chiefs since his switch from Mamelodi Sundowns on a free transfer ahead of the 2018-19 Premier Soccer League season, and despite reports suggesting that he decided against a move to the Buccaneers, Mokwena proclaims that the club chose not to sign Billiat.

The 28-year-old has directly contributed to nine goals in 13 games this season for the Amakhosi, having previously starred for the Brazilians - most notable winning the Caf Champions League title alongside Mokwena.

“I know that you guys ( the media) know that we tried to sign Khama," Mokwena is quoted as saying. "We decided in the last minute not to sign him.

"We had lots of talks with Khama, myself and the player. We were very close to bringing him to the black and white.

"But we decided to protect the change room more than anything else.”

Billiat is a doubt for this weekend's Soweto Derby having missed his club's penalty shoot-out win over Black Leopards this past weekend, due to a reported back injury sustained during the international break.