Tuesday Oct 08, 2024. 12:48
Khama Billiat has paid tribute to Yadah owner Prophet Walter Magaya for giving him the opportunity to revive his career and open the door for his return to the national team.
The 34-year-old forward retired from international football after Zimbabwe’s 1-1 draw with Ethiopia in the final match of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign on 14 November 2021.
Billiat wanted to focus on his club career at Kaizer Chiefs, but he missed the majority of the 2022-23 season through injury and eventually left Naturena in June 2023 after negotiations over a new contract broke down.
The 2016 PSL Player of the Season headed back home and was courted by numerous clubs, although it was Yadah who won the race for his signature and he has gone on to flourish in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
His sterling performances led to Magaya convincing Billiat to come out of international retirement and he played the full 90 minutes in both AFCON qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon last month.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns star is thrilled to be back in South Africa as the Warriors prepare to face Namibia in the first of two matches at the Orlando Stadium this month.
“I am excited about this opportunity and to be back in South Africa, where I spent the better part of my playing career,” he said.
“I am grateful to Prophet Walter Magaya, who gave me another chance at Yadah, where I’ve been able to rediscover myself and make my way back from international retirement.
“It is him who also convinced me to come out of international retirement, and here I am, back in the fold again.”
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