Zimbabwean star Khama Billiat has opened up on being approached with proposed salary reduction at Kaizer Chiefs and the reasons behind his departure from the club.
The 34-year-old is now plying his trade at Yadah FC in the Zimbabwean top-flight having departed Amakhosi in June 2023.
Prior to his time at Kaizer Chiefs, Billiat enjoyed a successful stint with Mamelodi Sundowns before moving to Amakhosi in 2018.
However, his tenure at Chiefs did not yield the anticipated results, as he departed the club without securing any trophies.
Before his exit from Naturena, Billiat was presented with a salary cut option with the club looking to extend his contract.
He ultimately declined the offer and chose to depart. Billiat has clarified that he did not oppose the salary cut, rather, he felt overwhelmed by the pressures stemming from his injury challenges and the overall difficulties faced by the club.
BILLIAT EXPLAINS WHY HE LEFT CHIEFS
“You know how negotiations go, either way. I feel like it was time for me to move back home. They [Chiefs] wanted me to stay, but I don't think I was mentally strong to take another season again, with all the injuries I was getting, all the pressure. It was frustrating,” Billiat said on MhlengiSports YouTube Channel.
“I want to play so much, contribute so much, but I was getting so many injuries. I would've loved to stay. I didn't mind the salary cut, I appreciate. I would have stayed, but I just felt like it was too much for me to take, there was a lot going on.
“Give them another season, when I was not sure whether I'm fit enough or get another injury after signing another contract, social media going crazy.
“I'm only a person who can take up to so much. It got to a point where most of the time I was not myself, even at home, because there was so much and I felt I needed to contribute to the team. It was a lot for me.”
