Billiat conclude Downs deal

Mamelodi Sundowns have completed the signing of Zimbabwean midfielder Khama Billiat on a five year contract from Ajax Cape Town. As part of the deal Eleazar Rodgers will be returning to the Mother City on a one year loan deal. 

 Sundowns initially agreed a deal with Ajax on transfer details, but the negotiations on personal terms were protracted. Last week, Ajax announced that the deal was off, sparking speculation about a possible move for Billiat to another PSL team. 

But once Billiat had agreed personal terms, Sundowns engaged Ajax once more, and on Monday, the deal was finalised. Billiat has been a major cog in the Ajax machinery, and has helped create critical goals for the Cape side. Sundowns spokesman Kabelo Mosito welcomed Billiat to the Sundowns family. 

“It is great to have a player of the calibre of Billiat on board, and clearly competition for a starting berth will be massive. This can only lead to a competitive spirit that is so critical in any team,” he said. 

Rodgers’ return to Cape Town will most likely give the Cape hit-man a new energy. Last week Billiat told the Zimbabwe media that “it has not been easy for me in the last couple of days as the media has been awash with things I did not say. 

It is becoming dreadful to pick up the phone and speak out as I am doing now.” He was referring to reports that he was making extraordinary demands, with some media even suggesting Sundowns had paid a ridiculous amount of R9-million for his transfer. 

“It is not easy because I have never been in this situation before and I really have to be strong and act mature,” he added. 

“It is always a challenge for a player to join a very strong and talented squad like Sundowns and I am aware of the pressure that comes with such a move. I will always try to be at the top of my game and I am not scared of tough challenges, .”he assured Zimbabwe media.