Harare Bureau
IN-FORM Warriors midfielder Khama Billiat will have probably his best festive holiday in years after leading his South Africa side Mamelodi Sundowns to the Telkom Knockout Cup success last week and then playing a starring role in the victory over Orlando Pirates which propelled them to the top spot on the Premiership going into the Christmas break.
The 25-year old, who suffered a concussion in November, appeared to have come back from injury fired up and has been in imperious form of late. Billiat was on target on Sunday when Sundowns beat rivals Orlando Pirates 2-0 to seize the initiative in the race after 12 games.
The Brazilians are tied on 26 points with second-placed Bidvest Wits but they are assured of a good finish to the year as the league has gone on break until January 8 when the next match will be played.
Billiat, a key member of the Zimbabwe Warriors squad that is set to resume the Africa Cup of Nations 2017 qualifiers next March, has staged a punitive comeback since recovering from the nasty clash with Free State Stars goalkeeper Daouda Diakite on November 21.
The attacking midfielder was merciless in his first match upon his return when he helped tear bitter rivals Chiefs apart with a 3-1 win in the Telkom Knockout Cup last week.
He provided the assist for the first goal when he set up Leonardo Castro, who easily headed home, past goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo. The other goals came from Thabo Nthethe and Hlompho Kekana.
Billiat replicated his form on Sunday and was instrumental in the win over Pirates as he provided the assist for the first goal and then returned to wrap up the match midway through the second half.
The lanky midfielder used his pace and skill when he made a good run down the left flank and beat Rooi Mahamutsa before laying the ball up for Castro to finish. He then had his name on the scoresheet in the second half when he exchanged passes with Castro and then finding enough space to beat goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane from inside the box.
However, despite being one of the team’s top performers this season, Billiat told South African website Goal.com that he still feels he is not scoring enough goals.
As a result he has dedicated more hours after training to work on his finishing as he wants to score more goals with the aim of helping his team win games and trophies.
So far he has scored three goals in the league while he is currently the Brazilians’ top goal creator this season, amassing a total of four assists in all competitions.
“It’s always good to play well but it’s very important that when you play well you should also score goals. I’m working on my finishing. I work hard at training.
“I give in extra time after training so that I can improve my game and slowly it’s working for me.
“I want to improve my technique when in the box then I’ll score more goals if you look at the chances that I get in games,” he said.