Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has singled out former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Khama Billiat as a significant threat ahead of their opening match in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Billiat, who recently reversed his decision to retire from international football, has been reinstated into the Zimbabwean national team, the Warriors, by coach Michael Nees.
This unexpected move came after Billiat announced his return to the international scene on Wednesday catching the attention of teams set to face Zimbabwe in the upcoming qualifiers.
The experienced winger, now playing for Yadah FC in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (ZPSL), has been in stellar form this season, netting nine goals and proving he remains a formidable force in African football.
“You saw Zimbabwe has no squad problems, all players are fit, all of them are back. Not only this, even players who didn’t come before, they come back, like Khama Billiat, who is a very good player, someone who stopped from retirement, and also other players with a new coach.
He has the possibility to get them back, so they will come with a very strong squad, we know it. But we know this team also, so therefore it will be very tough, we will see,” Firat stated, emphasizing the caliber of the opposition Kenya will face.
The 34-year-old Billiat, affectionately known as ‘Khamaldinho’, has had an illustrious career that includes numerous accolades and significant spells at top clubs in South Africa.
His tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns was particularly highlighted by his award as the Premier Soccer League’s Footballer and Player’s Player of the Season in 2015-16, following Sundowns’ Absa Premiership triumph.
His subsequent move to Kaizer Chiefs in 2018 was one of the biggest transfer headlines of that season.
Billiat’s experience and skill set make him a player to watch as Zimbabwe looks to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON, scheduled to be held in Morocco.
The tournament, running from December 2025 to January 2026, represents not just a chance for glory but also a redemption arc for players like Billiat who are nearing the twilight of their international careers.
Zimbabwe’s road to Morocco begins against Kenya on September 6 at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
