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Billiat should be playing in Europe: Coach

Sport
KAIZER Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas believes that Warriors star Khama Billiat may have made a mistake by choosing to join the South African premier league side over European opportunities.

KAIZER Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas believes that Warriors star Khama Billiat may have made a mistake by choosing to join the South African premier league side over European opportunities.

BY HENRY MHARA

Khama Billiat shields the ball away from Free State Stars’ Nyiko Mobbie during the 2018 MTN8 match on Saturday

The winger left Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of June and was a subject of intense interest from clubs across Europe and Asia.

His manager Mike Ngobeni was recently quoted as saying his client had received offers from Sweden, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

Egyptian giants Zamalek were also said to have made a lucrative offer, which Billiat turned down.

Surprisingly, the talented attacker chose to sign for Kaizer Chiefs where he is reportedly earning more than anyone else in the South African premier league.

Solinas, who joined at the start of the season, just like Billiat, is equally shocked by his forward’s decision. After watching the player in action in the few matches that he has played, the Italian is convinced that Billiat’s talents should be showcased somewhere in Europe.

“For me‚ Billiat is an amazing player‚ a top player. In my opinion‚ with no disrespect to other players from other clubs‚ Billiat is the best player in the league. The best striker. Billiat in my opinion can play in Europe without a problem. This guy is not for this league. He could perform in Europe very well‚ comfortably,” Solinas said.

Billiat has started all of Kaizer Chiefs games this season, but he showed more signs of his class with a strong second-half performance in Chiefs’ 3-0 MTN8 quarterfinal win over Free State Stars at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

He scored the third goal in the comfortable win, combining well with his old Mamelodi Sundowns front partner Leonardo Castro, who had scored the second goal in the match.

The Colombian also had headed in Billiat’s free-kick in Chiefs’ 3-1 Absa Premiership defeat against Bidvest Wits at FNB on Wednesday night.

Solinas was asked about the growing influence of the promising Castro and Billiat combination at Amakhosi.

“Thank you very much for this question because you give me the opportunity to talk about Billiat and Castro. Billiat and Castro – it’s a privilege and an honour for me to coach them. And these players make the difference. So I am very happy that I have these players in my squad.”

Billiat’s strike was his first for Amakhosi, having played three games. He and Castro formed a part of the “CBD” trio at Downs – of Castro‚ Billiat and Keagan Dolly – who were so influential in the Brazilians’ 2015-16 league title.