Khama Billiat Ready For Another CAF Champions League Run As Scottland Begin African Adventure
Khama Billiat knows exactly what it takes to go deep into the CAF Champions League.
The Zimbabwean forward has already played in two finals and lifted the continental trophy once.
Now, 16 years after making his top-flight debut, the 36-year-old is preparing for another Champions League journey.
This time, however, Billiat’s mission is different.
He will lead Zimbabwean champions Scottland into their first-ever CAF Champions League campaign.
Scottland begin their continental adventure against Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Billiat Has Been Here Before
Billiat’s Champions League pedigree stretches back to his days at Mamelodi Sundowns.
He helped the South African giants win the competition in 2016.
Five years later, he reached the final again with Kaizer Chiefs.
The Amakhosi, however, suffered a 3-0 defeat against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly in Casablanca.
That experience left Billiat with an appreciation of how demanding the competition can be.
He now wants to transfer those lessons to his Scottland teammates.
Billiat believes determination and collective effort will matter more than individual talent or financial incentives.
‘Hard Work And Teamwork’ The Winning Formula
Scottland president Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya has already given the players extra motivation ahead of their historic fixture.
Sakupwanya pledged US$20,000 for every goal scored against Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has also promised US$50,000 for the team.
Despite the financial incentives, Billiat believes the players must focus on what happens on the pitch.
He pointed to his 2016 triumph with Sundowns as evidence that teamwork can make the difference.
Billiat said the same principles helped Sundowns win the trophy and carried Kaizer Chiefs to the final five years later.
A Veteran Still Competing With The Youngsters
Billiat’s career has taken him through some of the biggest clubs in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
He started his senior journey with CAPS United in 2010 before spells at Ajax Cape Town, Sundowns and Chiefs.
He later played for Yadah Stars before joining Scottland.
Despite entering the latter stages of his career, Billiat remains an important figure in the squad.
He admits longevity at the highest level requires considerably more effort.
According to the veteran forward, older players have to work harder to match the energy of younger teammates.
Mapeza Reunion Adds Another Familiar Face
Billiat will also work under a coach who has known him since the early stages of his international career.
Norman Mapeza is now in charge of Scottland after previously working with Billiat in the national team setup.
The forward says Mapeza’s demanding approach has helped create an environment where players are constantly pushed to improve.
Billiat believes that mentality could prove valuable as Scottland face their first taste of Champions League football.
Musona And Billiat Reunite On Continental Stage
Scottland’s attack also features another familiar name from Billiat’s illustrious career.
Knowledge Musona and Billiat came through Aces Youth Soccer Academy together before becoming a formidable partnership for Zimbabwe’s junior and senior national teams.
Their careers have included appearances at the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
They have now reunited at club level.
Billiat says Musona’s willingness to help teammates develop remains one of his defining qualities.
The veteran duo will hope their experience can help Scottland navigate an unfamiliar continental challenge.
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