With speculations rife that Khama Billiat has not renewed contract
with his employers Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s uncertain whether he will stay in the country or go abroad.
During their 1-0 loss to Maritzburg United in the MTN8 Quarter-finals this past weekend, Billiat did not perform to his best ability with coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane, alluding he has just returned from injury from he suffered last season.
“Khama is on his last year and we are trying to renew his contract.
“But if he is not going to renew his contract we will continue. Sundowns is a very big team,” Mosimane said following their cup elimination.
“You could see Khama is not sharp [during Sunday’s loss]. It was his first match after being out for nine weeks. If he renews, why not? We love him, he is a good player. But if he does not want to renew, what can we do?” asked the dejected Mosimane.
“Every year he misses eight, 10 games with injuries. We are prepared. We are two games away from the final of the Champions League and Khama has not played.”
This was obvious to see in the game since he was non-committal.
The Zimbabweans contract with Downs’ runs until end of the season but already the body posture says it all.
Whether Billiat will go for a local side or Europe remains to be seen?
Downs’ open their PSL account with a Tshwane derby against SuperSport on Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, and whether Billiat will be in the starting eleven is something to ponder about.
Kick-off 3pm.
Meanwhile, PSL and Absa have renewed contract for further five years’.
PSL Chairman Dr Khoza said: “The last 10 years of this partnership have demonstrated that for a relationship to enjoy longevity, both sides must have common goals that glue them together. As we renew for a further five years, we would like to thank Absa for their trust and confidence in the PSL as the best vehicle for their message to millions of people.
“As we continue with the sponsorship, we do know that for this partnership to remain impactful, it cannot be business as usual; we have to continuously innovate to remain relevant. We are therefore excited about some of the innovations coming up in the 2017/18 season including the ‘Absa Premiership Rivalry weekends.”
Group Executive of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa, Bobby Malabie said: “Our long-standing partnership with the Premier Soccer League has been a fruitful one. Our association with local soccer and sponsorship of the biggest soccer league on the African continent, will see us continue to deliver thoroughly entertaining soccer to South African fans.
“We look forward to partnering and strengthening relationships with our clients in the new season and also providing tangible benefits to them and our customers such as the Absa Red Ticket Zone access on match day, which will see us rewarding them for their loyalty with unique and unforgettable experiences through the beautiful game”.
