Sports / Soccer
Khama Billiat in club vs country dispute
04 Mar 2014 at 07:59hrs | Views
TALENTED Zimbabwe international winger Khama Billiat was yesterday left facing a club-versus-country dispute after Mamelodi Sundowns claimed he was injured and directed he should not be fielded in the Warriors' clash against Malawi tomorrow.
Gorowa last Friday named a 17-man squad for the international friendly, which falls on the Fifa date for friendly internationals. But the Warriors coach will have to make a decision on whether or not to use Billiat after it emerged that Sundowns had declined to clear the winger to play, claiming that the forward was still to recover from an injury he had sustained on February 21.
The Warriors will also be without the only Europe-based player that Gorowa had included - Costa Nhamoinesu - who is now plying his trade for Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic.
Sundowns indicated that although they would release Billiat to the Warriors, they were not sanctioning the use of the player against the Flames on the basis that the young forward was still injured.
"We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 26 February 2014, requesting the release of our player," wrote Sundowns administration manager Belinda Ndlovu.
"Please be advised that Khama Billiat is currently injured after suffering a left foot bone fracture during our match against Ajax Cape Town on 21 February 2014.
"Kindly note that we will release the player as requested in line with Fifa regulations and we request that you return him to us immediately after assessing him so that he may continue with his rehabilitation and recovery.
"Attached is his X-Ray report and medical report from our team doctor for your records. Your understanding and co-operation in this regard will be highly appreciated."
Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said while they had taken note of Sundowns' letter they would leave the decision on whether or not to field Billiat to coach Gorowa and team doctor Nick Munyonga.
"We have confirmed receipt of their letter and also advised them that Khama, like all the other players, will be assessed by our national team doctor who will consult with the national coach and they will make a decision on whether Khama plays or not.
"The good thing is that they did not hold onto the player and now it is up to our team to make their own professional judgment,'' Gwesela said.
Gorowa had earlier on Sunday learnt with concern from his base in Johannesburg that three of his local contingent - Kuda Mahachi, Milton Ncube and Peter Moyo - had been injured in a car accident in Kadoma while on their way to Harare from Bulawayo for the Warriors camp.
He drafted in CAPS United's Zimbabwe youth international Ronald Pfumbidzai as cover for the left back position.
Gwesela said the three players, who also turn out for Bulawayo giants Highlanders, had been treated and discharged from hospital before making the road trip together with their fellow locals with the local contingent arriving safely in Malawi.
Warriors squad:
Washington Arubi, Tafadzwa Dube, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Milton Ncube, Eric Chipeta, Peter Moyo, Danny Phiri, Pascal Manhanga, Kuda Mahachi, Ali Sadiki, Gift Bello, Willard Katsande, Khama Billiat, Carlington Nyadombo, Knowledge Musona, Kingston Nkatha.
Gorowa last Friday named a 17-man squad for the international friendly, which falls on the Fifa date for friendly internationals. But the Warriors coach will have to make a decision on whether or not to use Billiat after it emerged that Sundowns had declined to clear the winger to play, claiming that the forward was still to recover from an injury he had sustained on February 21.
The Warriors will also be without the only Europe-based player that Gorowa had included - Costa Nhamoinesu - who is now plying his trade for Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic.
Sundowns indicated that although they would release Billiat to the Warriors, they were not sanctioning the use of the player against the Flames on the basis that the young forward was still injured.
"We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 26 February 2014, requesting the release of our player," wrote Sundowns administration manager Belinda Ndlovu.
"Please be advised that Khama Billiat is currently injured after suffering a left foot bone fracture during our match against Ajax Cape Town on 21 February 2014.
"Kindly note that we will release the player as requested in line with Fifa regulations and we request that you return him to us immediately after assessing him so that he may continue with his rehabilitation and recovery.
"Attached is his X-Ray report and medical report from our team doctor for your records. Your understanding and co-operation in this regard will be highly appreciated."
Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said while they had taken note of Sundowns' letter they would leave the decision on whether or not to field Billiat to coach Gorowa and team doctor Nick Munyonga.
"We have confirmed receipt of their letter and also advised them that Khama, like all the other players, will be assessed by our national team doctor who will consult with the national coach and they will make a decision on whether Khama plays or not.
"The good thing is that they did not hold onto the player and now it is up to our team to make their own professional judgment,'' Gwesela said.
Gorowa had earlier on Sunday learnt with concern from his base in Johannesburg that three of his local contingent - Kuda Mahachi, Milton Ncube and Peter Moyo - had been injured in a car accident in Kadoma while on their way to Harare from Bulawayo for the Warriors camp.
He drafted in CAPS United's Zimbabwe youth international Ronald Pfumbidzai as cover for the left back position.
Gwesela said the three players, who also turn out for Bulawayo giants Highlanders, had been treated and discharged from hospital before making the road trip together with their fellow locals with the local contingent arriving safely in Malawi.
Warriors squad:
Washington Arubi, Tafadzwa Dube, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Milton Ncube, Eric Chipeta, Peter Moyo, Danny Phiri, Pascal Manhanga, Kuda Mahachi, Ali Sadiki, Gift Bello, Willard Katsande, Khama Billiat, Carlington Nyadombo, Knowledge Musona, Kingston Nkatha.
Source - The Herald
