Kaizer Chiefs sweating over Khama Billiat again

Kaizer Chiefs may have registered a comfortable won on Wednesday, but have big worry on their plate in the form of Khama Billiat.

The Zimbabwean international returned to the starting line up in the 4-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town, but did not last the whole match as he was replaced by Dumisani Zuma in the second half.

Khama Billiat breaks down again

This was after aggravating a knock picked up while still with the club before the recent Fifa break.

Coach Ernst Middendorp was very pleased with the win on Wednesday, but did reveal there was concern over Billiat, who is in a race against time before Kaizer Chiefs return to action against Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday, 7 December.

“Sometimes it’s irritating when you see it in the game because we talk about this stuff since the beginning of the pre-season but we’re dealing with human beings, everybody inside the club must understand that sometimes a game is not like how we want to have it but I think so far today I’m very pleased with the performance.

“It’s a little bit irritating, I’ve said several times with Khama, in terms of always we have no control nearly two to three weeks if he travels [with the national team], we don’t really know what’s happening. He comes back always having some issues and we have to take him out, I hope we can correct it, our next game is on the seventh of December.”

Ernst Middendorp

Kaizer Chiefs deliver in star man’s absence

Despite not having their talisman available for a decent chunk of the match, Chiefs were able to rout the top-flight newcomers.

It was through goals from defender, Siyabonga Ngezana, a brace from Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic, as well as one from Billiat’s replacement, Siyabonga Ngezana.

The man of the match went to the two-goal hero, but Middendorp felt it should have gone to someone else.

“I don’t know Samir [Nurkovic] deserved to be Man of the Match? I didn’t really know how Siyabonga Ngezana is coming to the game, being only two days with us but I think it was the [best] performance I’ve seen him in my now 12 months [at the club], excellent.”

Ernst Middendorp

Chiefs will welcome Bafana defender, Erick Mathoho back against Celtic after a two-match suspension.

The game kicks off at 20:15 (SAST).