Ntseki: Life goes on after Billiat

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Aug 01, 2023. 13:07

New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has given up on Khama Billiat returning to the club after he missed a vital part of their preparations for the 2023-24 season.

The former Zimbabwe international has dropped off the radar since his contract expired at the end of June despite reaching an agreement with Amakhosi to extend his stay at the FNB Stadium.

Billiat had endured a difficult 2022-23 campaign due to injuries which limited him to just 12 appearances across all competitions for the Glamour Boys, who were keen to retain his services.

However, the 32-year-old forward was last seen at Naturena over a month ago and Ntseki believes he has been given bad advice amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia, leading to an uncertain future with the new season just around the corner.

“It has been three weeks now since we last heard from him,” Ntseki told Sunday World. “You know it’s bad when you get wrong advice because he had agreed with the club and just needed to sign.

“He was not given the right advice and we are in the dark about where he is. I am not sure if he can still be part of the team, because he has missed an important part of pre-season training.

“He missed the match against Young Africans in Tanzania and will not be part of the Botswana trip for the Township Rollers match. How is he going to catch up with the rest of the players? It’s a difficult situation for everyone.

“Khama is such a brilliant player but we do not know where he has been. We last saw him three weeks ago – but such is football and life goes on. Every coach would love to work with him.”

Ntseki will officially kick off his Chiefs tenure in the DStv Premiership with a ‘home’ clash against Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday.