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Return Of Khama Billiat To Zimbabwe Is A Coup For Yadah Football Club
By Terrence Mwedzi
The return of former Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns legend Khama Billiat to local football (the Zimbabwean Premier League) has caused a stir across the football spectrum.
It is reported that he (Billiat) joined the Zimbabwean team the Yadah FC football club – after almost a year without playing for any club – a choice that was hardly accepted by many football-loving fans, primarily in our region.
On the contrary, Yadah FC won the race to sign him after reportedly offering Billiat a signing-on fee of $20000, and according to multiple sources in Zimbabwe, Billiat will receive a monthly salary of $5000 – that’s good money – even though it doesn’t come close to what was offered to him. Simply put, it doesn’t make any financial sense. But that is a story for another day.
And this begs a difficult question: Does everything in football come down to money?
On the contrary, I disagree with those who say “football is all about money” – and, in my humble opinion – THIS is NOT TRUE. Although money (less or more money) is very much part of the football equation, some decisions are too personal and are not intended for public consumption.
In this vein, we are free to say whatever we want as football fans – but in the end – we must respect Khama’s space and decision. We have no right to tell him where he should go or which club he should join.
Based on the current issue, I am very confident that he will change the face of Zimbabwean football. I think he needs to take this chance to revive his football career. On the other hand, Billiat (his image and name) is a brand in itself, and I know that he can offer the Zimbabwean football fraternity even more than just 90 minutes on a football pitch.
At the moment, we cannot expect him to sign a contract with a major club abroad – because he has spent 8-9 months without playing.
In the same respect, clubs buy players depending on their current form on the playing field – a player’s contribution to any club is very more than crucial. Football is a business – a player’s current form determines the amount of money he/she should receive. No two ways about it.
Some confirmed and unconfirmed reports say that his demands were unfounded, which is why he was rejected by many major South African clubs. I vividly remember that he was out of form when his marriage with Kaizer Chiefs ended. But the lack of form does not mean that your football career is over. Days are not the same- it’s normal in football.
In addition, I will be glad to see that he will contribute to the development of our local football and improve the team’s game on the field.
In contrast he can also use his vast experience to attract new players to his new home – Yadah FC – as well as new fans and sponsors, and upgrade the club’s entire youth system by providing first-class inspiration and guidance to young players, as well as help build the club’s brand and reputation both locally and internationally.
A lot has been said about him, but who knows, maybe Yadah also promised him something grandiose-and only time will tell.
It’s not a lie that the Miracle Boys have been struggling since their promotion to the Zimbabwean League in 2016. I sincerely hope that we will see great chances/improvements this season on the field of play.
And despite Khama’s age, I fervently hope that the Yadah football club will not become his last home. Khama has a lot to offer the football fraternity – locally and internationally.
In the same respect, as a devoted fan of Dynamos, I am disappointed by Dynamos’ inability to attract quality players to the club. Of course, the Glamour Boys of Zimbabwe are short-changing us.
In truth, Dynamos should have a good reputation both on-and-off the field, and they should able to offer good salaries and incentives to attract the players that we deserve. We should have signed Khama Billiat because Dynamos is the biggest of them all in Zimbabwe – but here we are- failing to sign Billiat. We must do better, and we can do better.
Frankly speaking, is there a good youth system for developing even young players and attracting talented youngsters to Dynamos? I doubt.
I think and believe that we should have a strong, respected manager or management responsible for the club/team. In this vein, these crucial criteria must be met if we are serious about attracting top-class players to the club.
To conclude, I wish Khama Billiat nothing but the best at Yadah FC – and we are watching.
Terrence Mwedzi is an international award-winning Zimbabwean poet, writer, football pundit currently residing in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. He writes to Digital Sunday Express in his capacity, and can be contacted at: +27611370088. Email: moontafadzwa263@gmail.com
