As Bafana Bafana gear up to host Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying match in Bloemfontein on June 11, the Siya crew investigates the potential inclusion of former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat in the Warriors squad.
Siya sources within Zimbabwe discuss Billiat's likely return to their national team, following his impressive performances for Yadah FC in the Zimbabwe Premier League.
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Despite the current absence of a national team coach for Zimbabwe, which complicates the squad selection process, there's a strong belief that Billiat's recent form and experience could earn him a spot in the lineup against South Africa.
"Seriously speaking, his chances of being in the team are 50/50 at the moment. He is one of the best locally based players who could be selected into the national team. He has done very well since he came back from Kaizer Chiefs and if they will select the team based on form he should definitely be one of the players in the team," said the Siya source.
"The only thing that disturbed his season so far was the red card that he got in the other game but apart from that he has been doing very well. His experience will also be needed in the team. They need a player like him to boost the morale of the team mainly when they go to play against teams like South Africa and Nigeria in this group. So, personally I think be will be in the squad to face South Africa," a source noted to Soccer Laduma.
The final decision on Billiat's inclusion, however, hinges on the appointment of Zimbabwe's new national team coach, according to a second Siya source.
"The problem for now is we don't know who the coach will be. If it's the coach who already knows the players and is watching the local league then no doubt Khama (Billiat) will be part of the national team for the World Cup qualifying games. He has done well so far for Yadah and the new national team coach will determine his inclusion into the team. But I think he deserves it looking at his experience and the form he is in now," the second source stated, emphasizing the high likelihood of Billiat's recall.
The Siya source further discussed how Billiat had initially retired from international duty and how he could decide to play for Zimbabwe again.
"Yes, it's true that he had initially announced his retirement from the national team but he has recently told club officials that if called up to serve his country then he will do that because it's an honour to represent his country. You recall that time was also towards the two-year ban by FIFA and then he hadn't played for some time due to injury and not having a club. But now he has expressed his desire to honour the country once more if given the chance," the source revealed.
Inquiries made to ZIFA Normalisation Committee Chairman Lincoln Mutasa regarding Billiat's potential selection were met with a request for patience.
"Can I get back to you tomorrow afternoon. I have been out of the country having just returned from the Fifa Congress and will get updated tomorrow," Mutasa told Soccer Laduma, leaving Billiat's national team fate momentarily in the balance.
As the Zimbabwean national team navigates through its coaching conundrum, the prospect of Billiat's return adds an intriguing subplot to the upcoming World Cup qualifier against South Africa. Billiat's experience and form could be pivotal for the Warriors as they aim to make a strong showing in the qualifiers. Zimbabwe drew both of their fixtures so far and have two points, two behind leaders Rwanda in Group C.
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