Diakite apologises to Khama

JOHANNESBURG. — Free State Stars goalkeeper Daouda Diakite has telephoned Khama Billiat of Mamelodi Sundowns to both apologise and check on his recovery after knocking the Zimbabwean striker out cold at the weekend.

A clash between the two saw Billiat left unconscious. It came after only five minutes of last Saturday’s Absa South African Premiership match between the two clubs.

Billiat headed the ball home for the first goal in a 3-1 win but was cluttered into by Diakite and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.

Stars said yesterday that Diakite had phoned Billiat to enquire after his well-being.

“There was no malicious intent, just an accidental collision between two committed professionals as they challenged for the ball,” said the club’s website.

“Billiat was fractionally quicker to the ball.”

“I called Khama just to find out how he was doing after the weekend incident and he told me he is out of hospital and that he was fine.

“I have apologised to Khama for the incident. It was not intentional. Unfortunately incidents like that are commonplace in football.

“It’s never a nice thing when a fellow professional is injured, whether a teammate or not. It’s even worse when you feel partially responsible for ending their participation.

“I hope Khama returns to action soon and wish him the best of luck,” said Diakite. — Supersport.com