Kaizer Chiefs: Billiat return imminent says Middendorp

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has indicated that playmaker Khama Billiat could return for their Nedbank Cup round of 32 match.

Billiat has struggled to make an impact for Kaizer Chiefs this season due to injuries and has seen others shine in his absence, but MIddendorp hopes to bring him back into the fold in the Cup.

Billiat could return for Kaizer Chiefs in Nedbank Cup

Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Supersport United at the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit on 12 December 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs will play KZN club Royal Eagles at the FNB Stadium on the second weekend in February, but Billiat will have to prove his fitness before being allowed to return.

“Khama in mid-December we took him out to strengthen him. His last game was on December 22 in Maritzburg and after that we took him out,” Middendorp said this week.

Middendorp insisted that the Zimbabwean star would not return if he was not 100 per cent fit.

“It can be possible that we get him right in the next two weeks but if we need more time, then we will do that,” Middendorp added.

Tabloids allege Billiat has been injured by ex-lover

Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs in tunnel before during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town Stadium on 27 November 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Tabloid news outlets have claimed that Billiat was the victim of a stabbing in an altercation over unpaid child support but neither the player nor Kaizer Chiefs would comment on the matter.

Billiat has made just ten appearances for Kaizer Chiefs this season, scoring once and laying on a further two goals.

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The attack-minded Warrior joined Chiefs at the outset of last season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions from 38 appearances.

A player with pedigree

Khama Billiat of Chiefs during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on the 09 February 2019 at FNB Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Billiat has spent much of his career in South Africa breaking through with Ajax Cape Town before making a move to Mamelodi Sundowns where he won team honours and individual accolades. He scored 23 goals in 92 appearances for Ajax and also provided 24 assists for the Mother City club.

At Sundowns Billiat shone scoring 47 times and notching 43 assists during a highly successful stint at Chloorkop.

Billiat is yet to reach the same heights since moving to Naturena but seems to still have a place in Middendorp’s plans for the league leaders.