Khama Billiat breaks silence on Sundowns rumours

Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat has for the first time spoken out about the widespread rumours linking him with a return to Mamelodi Sundowns.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 21: Oupa Manyisa of Mamelodi Sundowns and Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs during the Shell Helix Ultra Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on July 21, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Billiat was the subject of strong transfer speculation during the recent transfer window, as it was rumoured that he was set to return to Chloorkop just one season after his departure, which subsequently caused a massive stir between Sundowns and Chiefs officials.

Throughout the back and forth between the two clubs, who released varying statements on the matter, the Zimbabwean international insists he was not deterred or unsettled in any way.

“I was trying not to read a lot and I was trying to stay focused, not to be distracted and it demanded a lot of mental strength from me. I think I couldn’t have done better,” said Billiat ahead of Saturday’s Shell Helix Ultra Cup clash.

Asked whether there was any direct contact between himself and officials from The Brazilians camp, the 29-year-old reduced it to mere social media speculation that he was in fact the one that wanted out and assured his happiness at Amakhosi.

“I can’t confirm that [they contacted me] because I don’t know what was happening. I didn’t get anything to my phone and everything [I know] I just read on social media,” he added.

“Like I said, I don’t know what was happening, and I just thought it was rumours.

“I’m happy, this is my home and I have to make my environment as best as I want it to be – it’s exactly what I hoped for and I just hope it will be like this forever.”

Downs have been accused of trying to unsettle Chiefs ahead of the season by engaging in mind games as they have done before, and Billiat himself has admitted that this may well have been the case.

“I don’t know, I don’t know… I don’t know if they’re still doing it [playing these mind games]. I know from my experience that it used to work,” he concluded. – kickoff.com