Khama Billiat Biography|Age, Background, Education, Football Career, International Career, Awards, Marriage, Second Wife
Khama Billiat is a celebrated Zimbabwean professional footballer. He has established himself as one of the most prominent footballers from his country. Primarily playing as a midfielder, his agility, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a standout player throughout his career.
Age
He was born on the 19th of August 1990. As of 2023, he is 33 years old.
Background
Khama Billiat was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, before moving to South Africa. Khama Billiat is the son of Rosa and Mustafo Billiat. He has not shared any information about his family. However, his father Mustafo is known to have played for the Zimbabwean club CAPS United.
Education
Khama Billiat did his primary education at Gwinyiro Primary School. This is where his passion for football first emerged.
Even at a young age, he showcased his skills on the field and caught the attention of Marc Duvillard, who recognized his potential. Impressed by his talent, Marc generously offered to cover Khama’s school fees and support his education. As a result, Khama enrolled at Lord Malvern High School for his secondary education. During this time, he continued to excel in football and drew inspiration from his uncle, Cheche Billiat, who played for Caps United as well as Alois Bunjira.
Football Career
CAPS United FC:
Khama Billiat joined CAPS United FC in 2010 under coach Lloyd Chitembwe. He played for only 15 minutes at Rufaro Stadium before migrating to South Africa. His stint with the Harare-based club lasted for three months.
Ajax Cape Town:
Khama Billiat made his professional debut for Ajax Cape Town on August 20, 2010. His debut match was against Mamelodi Sundowns in a quarterfinal match of the 2010 MTN 8 tournament at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Ajax Cape Town signed him from CAPS United in the summer of 2010, just three months after he joined the Zimbabwean club. Khama Billiat’s teammate from CAPS United, Grándsunny JR, also transferred to Ajax Cape Town.
Mamelodi Sundowns:
Despite a trial with Lokomotiv Moscow, Khama Billiat joined Mamelodi Sundowns on August 19, 2013. He signed a five-year contract with the club. Khama Billiat made his debut for Mamelodi Sundowns on August 28, 2013, in a 1-1 draw against Platinum Stars. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 home victory against Bidvest Wits, almost a month later.
In 2016, Billiat played a crucial role in helping Mamelodi Sundowns win their first-ever continental title. On November 21, 2017, he scored a brace against Bidvest Wits
Kaizer Chiefs:
In June 2018, it was announced that Billiat would be leaving Mamelodi Sundowns for Kaizer Chiefs. He signed a three-year deal with the club.
Khama Billiat made his competitive debut for Kaizer Chiefs on August 4, 2018, in a 1-1 league draw against his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
After spending five seasons with Kaizer Chiefs, Khama Billiat’s contract expired in June this year, leaving his future uncertain following a challenging campaign in the previous season. As the 33-year-old forward contemplates his next move, there is speculation surrounding his potential destination and the next chapter of his football career.
International Career
Khama Billiat has proudly represented Zimbabwe on various youth levels, showcasing his talent and dedication to his national team. As his career progressed, he earned numerous appearances for the Zimbabwe senior national team, commonly known as the Warriors.
He participated in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and featured in several friendly matches, establishing himself as a regular starter in the attacking midfield.
Khama Billiat made his senior international debut in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mali on March 26, 2011. Later that year, in August, he scored his first goal for Zimbabwe during a friendly match against Zambia, demonstrating his impact and ability to contribute to the team’s success. His skills and commitment earned him a place in the Zimbabwean national team roster for the 2017 edition of the African Cup of Nations, where he played a vital role.
In November 2021, Khama Billiat received the honor of captaining Zimbabwe in a crucial 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against South Africa, a testament to his leadership qualities and experience.
However, following his last match against Ethiopia in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2022, Khama Billiat made the decision to retire from international football, concluding his remarkable journey with the Zimbabwean national team.
Awards
Khama Billiat’s remarkable skills and contributions on the football field have not gone unnoticed. He has received several notable awards throughout his career.
- 2016 PSL Player of the season- ABSA Premiership, South Africa
- Absa Premiership Players’ player of the season 2016
- 2016 Absa Premiership Midfielder of the Season
- Confederation of African Football Champions League Team of the Week
- South African League Title Winner x3
- South African Cup Winner 2015/16
- Nedbank Cup Winner 2014/15
- CAF Champions League Winner 2016
- CAF Super Cup Winner 2017
- COSAFA Cup Winner 2018
Marriage
Khama Billiat is happily married to Esnath Munyedawo, and together, they share the joy of raising their lovely daughter named Kimberly.
Second Wife
In January 2021, Khama Billiat was rumoured to have married a second wife. According to reports, it was alleged that Khama Billiat had paid lobola (a traditional dowry) for Nomcebo Mthethwa, a South African TV presenter, singer, and former actress.
Khama Billiat dismissed the rumors, asserting that he only had one wife, referring to Esnath Munyedawo as “Mai Kim,” the mother of his daughter. He expressed his confusion and denied any knowledge of the alleged marriage to Nomcebo Mthethwa.
