Zimbabwe PSL: Scottland coach Ndiraya defends struggling Billiat

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Khama Billiat has struggled to make the needed impact at Scottland FC since joining them from Yadah Stars at the beginning of this season on a free transfer.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward was a sight to behold at Yadah last season where he contributed to 24 goals, scoring 13 and assisting 11, a far cry from this term’s performance which has seen him rake a paltry one goal and one assist after eight games in Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

Notwithstanding the poor showing this season, Scottland head coach Tonderai Ndiraya has jumped to the defence of Billiat, admitting that competition in the team is at its all-time best this season. Scotland’s woes were deepened when they were held to a 1-1 draw by ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture on Saturday.

Ndiraya said: “Well, I wouldn’t really want to focus on Khama Billiat alone, but my personal feeling is that the team has been playing very well,” said Ndiraya. “Competition has been very high for Billiat and everyone else. It’s different from last season.

“I think if you look at our players now, they’re exhausted. We knew that was going to happen, but what was important for us was to get the results under those conditions. And I’m happy that the players did their best. They have always fought hard.”

Scottland FC currently sit 4th on the league table on 13 points from 8 league matches this season.