Khama Billiat puts Sundowns future talks on hold

TALKS between Mamelodi Sundowns and Khama Billiat over a new deal have been put on hold and it's unclear when the two parties will resume negotiations.

While the 2017 transfer window is now something of the past, the future of one of Sundowns' most influential players remains in doubt.

It has been widely reported that Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was resigned to losing talisman Billiat and wanted Jeremy Brockie during the past transfer window as he looked to replace the Zimbabwe international.

However, despite interest from several clubs locally and abroad, Masandawana were able to keep hold of the attacker for the foreseeable future.

But reports coming out from the player's camp suggest that talks over a new contract at Chloorkop are currently on hold, meaning that if Sundowns are unable to tie down their most prized asset before January, the 27-year-old will be allowed to open talks with other potential suitors and commit to a pre-contract in 2018.

Billiat is seen as one of the most talented players on the African continent and his desire to move abroad is well known.

While a move to Saudi Arabia was previously on the cards, the possible deal eventually fell through as Al Nasr reportedly grew impatient with Sundowns' reluctance to sell Billiat.

Nonetheless, there has also reportedly been interest from local sides such as Cape Town City, but reports suggest that a move to another South African club is unlikely should Billiat choose to leave the Tshwane giants.

Meanwhile, former Sundowns defender Lovers Mohlala has discussed the consequences of Billiat's potential departure from Sundowns.

Mohlala said even though a move is possible, Billiat needs to be smart about whatever decision he makes.

"Anything can happen in football, but you also have to be wise as a player," he told Soccer Laduma. "You must ask yourself if you're moving to greener pastures, are you moving to retire, or what are you doing? At the end of the day, when you make a move for money or whatever, you could be making a decision that will affect the rest of your life."

Mohlala said the Zimbabwean attacker's relationship with Mosimane may be critical to the outcome of the ongoing situation.

"Say Billiat makes a decision about where he wants to go to… It's going to affect him and he will be looking back and asking how he made his name.

"It's not that Billiat needs to renegotiate his contract or something. Billiat is there to play. He's a great player, he's one player that I admire, but, at the end of the day, the decision lies with him. With the relationship he has with Pitso may also determine whether he's going to stay or go, but it's up to the team. Pitso can't make the decision on his own and at Sundowns they decide collectively. Pitso consults with the team in order to make a decision."

Billiat has spent four years at Sundowns, making 84 league appearances, scoring 31 goals and making a further 33 assists.