MAMELODI Sundowns seem to have given up on star winger Khama Billiat.
The Tshwane based outfit is already moving on, scouring the transfer market for a replacement for the Zimbabwean international, who was Player of the Season in 2015-16 and helped the club win the Caf Champions League in 2016.
SunSport has reliably learnt that Downs are “fed-up” with the way Billiat (27) has been stalling to sign a new contract. His current deal ends in June.
A source close to Downs reveals that they are already eyeing a replacement as they believe Billiat will either leave in the current transfer window or when his contracts ends in June.
They are looking at the likes of budding 21-year-old Platinum Stars winger Katlego Otladisa and Bloemfontein Celtic starlet Kabelo Mahlasela to replace Billiat.
The source added: “The club is also looking in Zambia and South America for a replacement. Sundowns have accepted that Billiat will be leaving.”
Our source said Downs were not happy with the way the player had messed them around, keeping them in suspense by refusing to renew his contract: “His tactics appear to have backfired, as he has not only wasted the club’s time but also his own – no PSL club has approached them with a view of obtaining his services.”
The source said Billiat would have to move overseas to a rich Middle Eastern club, or somewhere in Europe to earn what he gets at the big-spending Chloorkop side.
“Billiat earns a big salary. There is no club in this country that can match or beat what he earns with Downs. So the only way out for him is to go overseas.”
Sundowns had no festive season break and were back at training on 27 December, preparing for their first league clash of 2018 against Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm).
