Kaizer Chiefs Fume At ZIFA For Playing 'Injured' Billiat

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp was left fuming after Zimbabwe used Khama Billiat in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia while he was not fully fit.

Middendorp told South African media that Billiat could not play in Chiefs’ 2-1 loss to Maritzburg United in the semi-final of the Telkom Knock-Out Cup at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday after failing a late fitness test. He said:

It’s upsetting. He definitely went already with a tight hamstring into two national team games, but there is nothing we can do. He played against Botswana and was already playing with pain.

He came back despite this and played in Zambia and it was not possible (to get him ready to play against Maritzburg United). We tried on Saturday afternoon with a late (fitness) test, but it was impossible to bring him in.

Billiat played in the 0-0 daw against Botswana at the National Sports Stadium.

Four days later, he featured again fro the Warriors against Zambia, scoring both goals in the 2-1 win.

More: NewsDay