Khama Billiat is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for South African Premier Division club Kaizer Chiefs and the Zimbabwe national team. He represented the his national side in the world cup qualifiers and played in their second leg tie against Ghana and also against Ethiopia in their last qualifier tie.
With the world hoping to see more from the Zimbabwean playmaker, he has rather taken a U-turn to hang his boot with regards to international action.
Zimbabwe who were hoping to make it to the playoff rounds and possibly gain qualification to participate in the world cup had their plans cut short after picking just two (2) points from a possible eighteen (18).
Zimbabwe placed last on Group G of the CAF Qualification after drawing Ethiopia where Billiat lasted 55 minutes on the pitch.
Billiat announced his retirement on Monday via his various social media platforms after more than 50 caps for the Warriors. In his remarks, the skillful midfielder stated,
“It was all a dream. When I was young, I always dreamt of representing the country, playing for the national team, ‘Billiat said in a statement on Monday. The dream which seemed far-fetched for a young Khama in Mufakose came when I least expected it.
The first day I donned the Warriors badge, I vowed to enjoy myself and always lift the country’s spirits. Scoring a goal at the Africa Cup of Nations finals is one moment I still relive in my mind even up to date.
It is one of the special moments I have experienced wearing the coveted yellow jersey. The feeling of scoring in a packed stadium for your nation is inexplicable.
I have met so many teammates, coached at the national team and I appreciate every relationship I have built along the way. By playing for the Warriors, I have improved immensely as a player [and] it is an opportunity I will forever cherish.
However, every story no matter how beautiful has an ending. This is probably the heaviest decision I have ever had to take in my life, but it is a decision I make with a patriotic heart.
Like those who had to pave way for our generation of Warriors stars to emerge, I have decided to retire from international football. I believe it is now time for me to pave way for new talent to blossom and serve the country in the same way that I did, or even better.
I will forever be indebted to those who took chance on me and molded me into the international player I grew to become. Thank you, Zimbabwe for supporting me and my teammates, for showing love with each outing. God bless you.”
Football fans will miss his display during international assignments but as much as possible many have wished him well and accepted his retirement as his own time to reflect on club football.
