Former Warriors talisman Khama Billiat bemoans ‘long-term injury’

Former Warriors midfielder Khama Billiat has expressed his frustrations following an injury lay-off that has forced him to watch his Kaizer Chiefs teammates conducting their duty both at the training ground and on the field of play for three months now.

Billiat who recently has been spotted several times arriving at Chiefs’ training arena, Naturena, not heading to the pitch but straight to the gym section has been placed on the sidelines for over ten weeks due to a ‘nagging’ leg injury.

He last featured for Amakhosi in October when the side claimed the bragging rights of the Soweto derby with a 1-0 victory over rivals Orlando Pirates.

This was few weeks after he had recovered from another [knee] injury ahead of Chiefs’ clash with Amazulu during an MTN-8 semi-final match on 23 October.

Billiat’s last appearance for Chiefs this season was on 29 October against Pirates before the league went for a break following the 2022 Qatar World Cup tournament.

As a result, the 32-year-old forward is frustrated with the injury layoff.

He told FARPost: “Being injured is frustrating especially when it takes longer than what you expected. It is very frustrating because you can only contribute as much as you can only when you are fit. I always want to contribute positively to the team.

“But when you are on the side lines due to an injury you can only motivate the guys. Try to watch the games and make sure you give your input whenever we reflect on the games.

“It’s frustrating but we are professionals and it’s out of our control. It’s a mental thing. You need to be mentally strong because it’s not easy as you say.

“But you have to be mentally strong because you just want to play football. That’s what we know best and being out for a while takes a ready big mental strength.”

Providing Billiat’s latest injury update last week, Chiefs gaffer Zwane told the media: “Unfortunately we are not going to see Khama [Billiat] anytime soon.

“He is still struggling [with an injury], so we are still waiting for the doctors report and we will take it from there.”