'Rama' cautions against expecting Khama Billiat to perform miracles at Kaizer Chiefs

30 July 2018 - 15:51
By Mninawa Ntloko
Dean Furman of SuperSport United and Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Kaizer Chiefs during the MTN8 Launch at Johannesburg Park Station on July 30, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Image: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images Dean Furman of SuperSport United and Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Kaizer Chiefs during the MTN8 Launch at Johannesburg Park Station on July 30, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele says new marquee signing Khama Billiat is no magician whose magic wand will suddenly transform the club into fearless world beaters overnight.

Billiat joined Chiefs from Mamelodi Sundowns in a sensational transfer last month but Mphahlele cautioned AmaKhosi fans against expecting the Zimbabwean international to perform miracles single-handedly .

‘‘We are happy to have Khama‚ he’s a very good player‚” Mphahlele said on Monday.

‘‘I just hope that he comes in and helps us. To our fans we must not put too much pressure on him and say ’we have Khama and everything is going to be okay’. No.”

Chiefs went three seasons without winning a trophy under former coach Steve Komphela and their pre-season form has hardly been inspiring.

New Italian coach Giovanni Solinas has yet to receive the work permit that would allow him to officially take over the side and caretaker Patrick Mabedi has continued to lead the club in his absence.

The club’s long-suffering fans will hope that Solinas’ work permit issues are resolved in the coming days as Chiefs are away to champions Sundowns on the opening day of the campaign on Saturday.

‘‘We need to work together as a team to win‚” Mphahlele said.

‘‘But ja‚ any coach and any team would love to have Khama.

‘‘We are very happy to have Khama.”

Chiefs will host Nedbank Cup holders Free State Stars at FNB Stadium on August 11 2018 in the quarterfinals of the MTN8.