Khama Billiat, a name that echoes with footballing brilliance across Zimbabwe and South Africa, has a story that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of many young Zimbabweans.
His journey, however, is one that has taken him from the dusty streets of Mufakose to the glittering heights of professional football, a testament to his unwavering determination and the power of belief.
But it wasn't always this way. In 2008 when Zimbabwe experienced it's worst economic hardship ever, the future looked bleak for the then-teenage Billiat. His passion for football, a constant companion throughout his life, was met with indifference. He was deemed too small, too insignificant to compete in a world where size and strength often dictated success.
“So, in 2008 or thereabout, I just decided to stop playing football. Things were not well on my side and I started ‘burning’ music on memory cards. Things were tight and I had to do that. I had sort of surrendered the game altogether,” Billiat recalled in a recent interview.
The harsh realities of life in Mufakose, a high-density suburb in Harare, where survival was a daily struggle, forced Billiat to abandon his dream. He found himself caught in a cycle of hardship, unable to afford even the basic necessities like bus fare to attend training sessions at the Aces Youth Soccer Academy (AYSA), the institution that had nurtured his talent.
“I did that for a year or so. I had to make things happen. Imagine, I was doing that (burning music) for the first time, yet all I had known in my life was playing football. In a way, that exposed me to have a look at the other side of life and it really shaped me,” Billiat said.
The experience, while difficult, instilled in Billiat a newfound focus and determination. He returned to football, joining CAPS United, a club that would become instrumental in shaping his destiny.
“I then joined CAPS United when I made my way back. This is the club that made me who I am. I have so much respect for CAPS United and their coach Lloyd Chitembwe,” Billiat said.
Under the guidance of Lloyd Chitembwe, a coach with a keen eye for talent, Billiat began to blossom. Despite being surrounded by established stars like Tafadzwa Rusike, Nyasha Mushekwi, and Gilbert Mapemba, Billiat’s raw talent and unwavering work ethic caught Chitembwe’s attention.
“I always saw something special in him. His technique was distinct and you know how it is. We needed to polish other aspects and I am happy he was a disciplined boy who was always willing to learn,” Chitembwe said.
Billiat's journey to the top, however, was not without its challenges. Expense Chitukutuku, the man who first identified Billiat’s potential, had to convince the young player himself that he could make it to the highest level.
“He was very short and slim and everyone thought he couldn’t make it, including himself, but I kept on going to his place to bring him with me to our (AYSA) training ground at Lord Malvern School. He started to avoid me as he had given up. I made him believe he would play in Europe and it took time for him to believe until we went to Switzerland for a tournament in Geneva and he scored in every match and we won the tournament in 2005,” Chitukutuku said.
The turning point came during a tournament in Geneva, Switzerland, where Billiat’s exceptional talent shone brightly. He scored in every match, leading his team to victory and attracting the attention of scouts from Swiss club Young Boys. While the move to Switzerland ultimately fell through, the experience served as a powerful affirmation of Billiat's potential.
After impressing at CAPS United, Billiat’s journey took him to South Africa, where he joined Ajax Cape Town. His performances for Ajax were impressive, almost leading the club to the league title before they were pipped to the finish line by Orlando Pirates.
His talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and Billiat was soon snapped up by Mamelodi Sundowns, a club that would become synonymous with his rise to stardom. He helped Sundowns win numerous accolades, including the prestigious CAF Champions League in 2016, a feat that brought him individual awards and recognition.
His next move took him to Kaizer Chiefs, where he became the highest-paid player in South Africa. Now, after a brief stint with Yadah, Billiat is back in the Zimbabwean Premier League, adding another chapter to his remarkable journey.
