Defending champions Scottland FC may have stuttered at the starting blocks of the new season, but talisman Khama Billiat believes the league is finally about to see the true power of the team.
After a slow start characterised by two frustrating draws, the champions have roared back to life with clinical back-to-back 3–0 victories, signalling a return to the form that saw them lift the title last season.
The resurgence began with a dominant display against Manica Diamonds in Triangle, followed by a ruthless dismantling of Hunters at Rufaro Stadium last Sunday. These six points have catapulted Scottland into second place with eight points—just four behind early pacesetters CAPS United.
Central to this revival is the 35-year-old Billiat. The former Warriors star looks a man possessed, netting braces in both recent victories to sit atop the goalscoring charts. He is currently on pace to eclipse his 2024 heroics with Yadah FC, where he bagged 13 goals.
Speaking on the in-house Mabviravira Football Show, Billiat dismissed early-season concerns, citing the natural process of a title defence.
“So far so good. I think we started a little bit with not collecting points, which is normal with most teams,” he said.
“We are starting the season, we are preparing, we are trying to get on our feet. I think it’s normal and we believe we are on the right track right now.”
With a squad bolstered by new arrivals, Billiat is adamant that the depth at Scottland is unrivalled in the domestic top flight.
“I think we have the best squad, we have the best coaches, we are the best club,” he said.
“When things like [the draws] happen, we believe in football it’s a process and we have to work on a lot of things together so that you can start cruising. We are hoping that we are now on the right track."
Beyond the tactics on the pitch, Billiat credited much of the team’s mental fortitude to the presence of Zimbabwe football legend Peter Ndlovu.
The Flying Elephant currently serves as the team manager, providing a bridge between the players and the technical bench.
“It's great having Peter Ndlovu around. He is someone we grew up watching and we are blessed to have him around to learn and hear what he is going to say and guide us...
“Having him is just an extra motivation. Just seeing him walking in the changing room you will be star struck. Before he even says something, you are ready to listen."
Billiat noted that Ndlovu’s advice is often the fine-tuning the players need after a match.
"We talk about football because we are not perfect... he is there to advise on what you could have done better. We wish he knew how grateful we are to have him around.”
While the domestic title defence remains the priority, the looming Caf Champions League campaign is a source of motivation. Billiat expects the team to be at their peak by the time they fly the Zimbabwean flag on the continent.
“Expect the best from us in every game. At the moment we have the league games and these are going to motivate us and prepare us to be at the right state of mind when the Champions League comes."
However, the immediate challenge is a trip to Gweru this week to face TelOne. Despite his own individual brilliance, Billiat warned against complacency.
“We are professional; we cannot be carried away because we just won two games. There are a lot of games to play and a lot of points to collect. We have to go there in the right state of mind, prepare, and do what the coach wants us to do.”
As the league returns from the international break, one thing is clear: the champions have found their voice, and Khama Billiat is leading the choir.