Billiat, a former PSL Player of the Year, has endured a turbulent period of ups and downs at Kaizer Chiefs since joining the club from Sundowns in 2018.
Injuries and poor play have stopped Chiefs fans from consistently witnessing Billiat’s best, and his current deal is scheduled to expire in June.
Monday at a Nedbank Cup press conference, Zwane was asked about Billiat’s future, but he gave no indications.
According to Soccer Laduma, Zwane stated on Monday that everything boils down to analyzing players and planning for the upcoming season. “I will not reveal who will or will not be a member of the team for the upcoming season. Currently, we do not know; only time will tell.
“Khama is a manly young man, he is aware that things do occur in football. Certain circumstances are beyond our control. We merely hold out hope that things will improve.
“We have encouraged him, but not exclusively. Similar to how [Eric] Mathoho has struggled with injuries, he has been in a similar scenario. [Phathutshedzo] Nange and Cole Alexander are going through it and coping because the staff is also providing psychological support.”
Recent additions to the injury list include Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons, while Billiat and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo have undergone surgery.
David Milner, the club’s physiotherapist, elaborated on the nature of the injuries and the prognosis for the recovery of the players named by Zwane, saying, “Our current injury list includes Khama Billiat, who had surgery to repair a torn groin muscle. He will miss the remainder of the season. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo needed significant surgery on his torn thigh muscle. He will be absent for three to four months.
“Reeve Frosler had to have his jaw wired together after suffering a fracture. He will miss between six and eight weeks of work. Dillan Solomons’ left shoulder dislocated. It appears he can be managed conservatively, and we anticipate his return in four to six weeks.”
On a more optimistic note, Milner indicates that a crucial player is close to a full recovery.
“Cole Alexander emerged from his moon boot. “He has resumed running, and we hope to get him back into training soon, after which we’ll move forward,” he said.
Cole Alexander and Themba Zwane of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively. Photo: @KaizerChiefs/Twitter
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