ONE of the major sub-plots to the 2024 Castle Lager Premiership season is the return of former Warriors winger, Khama Billiat, and fans in Mutare will have a taste of it when Yadah Stars face Bikita Minerals at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday.
The Lithium Boys, as Bikita Minerals are nicknamed, were finally declared Eastern Region Soccer League champions after a protracted boardroom battle that involved Tenax.
Bikita Minerals will start their debut top-flight season with a backlog of fixtures.
They will be using Sakubva Stadium as their home ground.
However, the 33-year-old Billiat, whose return to the local Premiership has triggered a frenzy, played the last 15 minutes when Yadah lost 0-1 to Hwange at the Colliery on March 10.
He almost scored on his debut, but was denied by the upright post.
Yadah Stars coach, Thomas Ruzive told our sister paper, The Herald that he has a special plan for Khama Billiat.
Billiat is now expected to get more minutes, after playing a cameo role on his debut on Match Day One.
Ruzive now expects Billiat to play a more crucial role, as the former Kaizer Chiefs star has steadily adjusted to the local settings.
Billiat had some match fitness issues when he arrived at Yadah, having seen no action for over a year, but the former Warriors kingpin has been training hard at the Heart Stadium.
Reports indicate that Billiat’s fitness levels have risen remarkably, and Ruzive is likely to start the 33-year-old forward when Yadah play Bikita Minerals in a rearranged PSL match at Sakubva on Sunday.
“Khama (Billiat) is fit, and ready to face Bikita Minerals,” Ruzive said.
“The boy had a good show in Hwange despite playing for a few minutes. Overall, the team played well, it was only one mistake that cost us the match,” he said.
Yadah fell to a solitary goal scored by Gift Mbweti, who is back in Hwange after some years at former champions, FC Platinum.
The Miracle Boys are now targeting a win to boost their morale ahead of the Easter holiday bumper fixtures.
“Billiat is an experienced player who can adjust to the most difficult conditions in the game. So I am confident he will adjust to the local league. We expect him to play more minutes in our next games,” said Ruzive.
The former Triangle United gaffer, who is now in his second stint with Yadah, is, however, wary of Bikita Minerals, who are coached by veteran gaffer, Saul Chaminuka.
The Lithium Boys have also added experienced players to their squad including 2010 soccer star of the year finalist, Allan Gahadzikwa.
“It’s a tricky game,” says Ruzive.
“Despite their promotion saga, Bikita Minerals will always be a threat because they have a very experienced coach in Saul Chaminuka. We should treat them with caution because they are dangerous,” he said.
