Former Kaizer Chiefs and Warriors left-back Zhaimu Jambo said there is a need for better communication between Kaizer Chiefs and Zimbabwe over the use of Khama Billiat when he reports for international duty.
Jambo’ remarks come after Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has twice complained about Billiat playing for Zimbabwe when he is not fully fit. Said Jambo:
They both need the player. So it’s about how they find the balance. He would like to play for his country as much as he likes to play for Chiefs.
It’s just player management that both need to be part of communication-wise. Khama is important for Zimbabwe. You can see if he is there. He is the one who scored two goals against Zambia.
A national team coach is fighting for his own life so he wouldn’t think of taking Khama out. At the end of the day, if it’s all communicated well, it would be good.
Billiat played for the Warriors (against Somalia) and in November (against Botswana and Zambia) when he was unfit, according to Middendorp.
In both instances, Billiat scored crucial goals ensuring Zimbabwe’s progress in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns.