The Sunday Mail
Ishemunyoro Chingwere
THE Warriors technical team is growing increasingly impatient with star winger Khama Billiat’s truancy at a time when they are stepping up preparations for the Afcon 2017 finals. Billiat was yet to report for camp by late yesterday despite being spotted in Harare.Images of the midfielder in night clubs and playing social soccer in Mufakose have been circulating on social media. Billiat’s national teammates are also not amused by the Mamelodi Sundowns winger’s behavior and reportedly confronted the technical team on Thursday demanding that he be censured.
Pasuwa said he is still waiting for Billiat to report for duty.
“I don’t want to speak on speculation. I think for now the best thing is to wait for him,” said the Warriors coach.
“He is one of the players we called in for camp and all I can say is we are still waiting for him to show up.
“He came in for our medicals on Thursday and he told me he has a letter from his club which has a programme which he must follow so I hope I will be favoured with the letter and see how we can help the situation but from where we stand, the best thing is for him to join others here.”
While Pasuwa was being diplomatic, Billiat’s national team pals made clear their disappointment.
Some players pointed at Dutch based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba who is in camp despite his club sending a letter to Zifa advising that the player be rested for eight days.
Czech based star defender Costa Nhamoinesu is being troubled by a hamstring but reported for duty without even getting time to see his family, the players said.
A senior player who declined to be named said Billiat’s behavior was beginning to destabilise the team.
“He is a good guy and we all appreciate the value he adds to the team but this new route he has chosen is getting us worried,” said the player.
“Some players are worried the coaches are setting a wrong example and this has the potential to divide camp or worse still distract our focus.”
Meanwhile, Knowledge Musona is also yet to join camp but Pasuwa said the Belgian based midfielder’s absence is “well explained.”
“We don’t have problems with Knowledge, he will be joining us very soon, he has been talking to the manager (Sharif Mussa),” said Pasuwa.
