KHAMA Billiat marked his celebration of possibly the dawn of new Zimbabwean era with an inspired performance for Mamelodi Sundowns!
The Zimbabwe international hasn’t been at his best this season, amid talks of a transfer in January.
But coming on in the second half, the nippy midfielder scored a brace as Sundowns thumped Bidvest Wits 2-0 in their Absa Premiership duel at Bidvest Stadium last night.
It was a special night for the midfield wizard, who probably had his mind across the border where Robert Mugabe’s 37-year-old rule ended yesterday.
Played through by Percy Tau, Khama Billiat made the perfect finish as he tapped in from a cross on the hour mark.
His second was the best, though, feeding off Hlompho Kekana to ram in low past Darren Keet in the 81st minute. It wasn’t an easy victory for the Brazilians, who took time to get into gear.
Wits dominated early on, yet without clear-cut chances and goals, their domination yielded nothing in the opening half.
The intention was there for the Students to continue where they left off against Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend.
Amr Gamal proved to be more than a typical target man upfront as he not only won high balls but made the moves to set-up Daine Klate, who missed one of the best chances of the first half.
More opportunities were there to find the breakthrough, but you don’t mess up such chances against Sundowns.
Orlando Pirates learned the hard way recently.
Sundowns weren’t at their best in the first half, they haven’t been in recent weeks, even though their win over Bucs may suggest they are regained their finesse.
They are far from the juggernaut which flattened opponents this time last year.
Vilakazi skinned Sifiso Hlanti on the right wing and sent an inch-perfect cross to Thapelo Morena, who fumbled his chance, in one of the three chances they created.
How Vilakazi squandered two best chances in the second-half simply baffles the mind.
But Billiat clearly had other ideas as he inspired them to an impressive win, the second successive for Sundowns. And on this performance, he may well play a crucial role as Sundowns pick themselves up following a recent slump.
Downs’ Khama Billiat (right) battles it out with Wits’ Reeve Frosler during yesterdays league match. Photo by Themba Makofane