Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Billiat’s absence in both wins against Highlands Park and Black Leopards had raised eyebrows and fuelled rumours that the Zimbabwean forward was on his way out of the Naturena-based club.
There have been reports that suggested that Billiat had asked Mamelodi Sundowns to take him back and Masandawana coach Pitso Mosimane said he would welcome him back. But Middendorp has revealed the real reason behind Billiat’s absence.
READ: Chiefs ‘a work in progress’
“We have a clear understanding… the chairman know about it, the football manager knows about it, the entire marketing department know about it, the technical team know about it. Everyone in the team is aware, when he came back from Afcon there was an issue with his left knee. He joined us and trained for four days and when we travelled to Botswana he didn’t go with us.
“I would not have played him in the Carling Cup but he said he was fine and he was voted. We honoured this voting and he played but immediately after he felt pain. We made a decision with the doctors and everyone including him is fully aware about it. We checked it on July 30 and we got a result of the x-ray which revealed that the left ligament and meniscus had bruises and we had to be careful with him,” explained Middendorp who said he wanted to put the issue to rest.
“We decided we would not overload him from 31st of July to 21st of August which is exactly three weeks. We have our next game on the 24th of August and he will then be available for selection. I can assure you, the player knows about this process,” he added.
Amakhosi have a two week break and will be back in action on August 23 when they host SuperSport United at FNB Stadium. Middendorp said he would use the break to work on their attack.
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