Ndola - Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Khama Billiat says the team are on the cusp of African football glory not by "luck" but "by the grace of God" and they're highly motivated to become African champions.
Sundowns will need their playmaker Billiat to show up with his A game this afternoon against Zambian champions Zesco United in a highly-anticipated CAF Champions League semi-final at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.
Sundowns will need Billiat at his best to make things happen for the PSL champions in this first leg. It’s a daunting task for Sundowns to do what other teams have failed to do in the last eight years. Zesco United have not lost a single match at home in continental tournaments since 2008. Billiat, who has been in terrific form for Sundowns and Zimbabwe, will be looked upon to engineer the fall of Zesco with his artistry. The Zimbabwean international and his teammates have been working hard plotting the demise of Zesco.
“We have been watching Zesco and doing our home work. We know Zesco is not an easy team to face especially playing at home. They are a very strong team. We need to be tactically aware and pay attention to detail. We have been working on a lot of things - their weaknesses and strengths so we should be ready,” said Billiat.
Billiat will not be lacking any motivation to do his best for Sundowns. The 26-year-old wing king has made an indelible mark in the continental tournament. He was a key man for Sundowns en route to the semifinals, scoring and creating crucial goals. He also helped Zimbabwe to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after a lengthy absence. His exploits for country and Sundowns have made him one of the most exciting players to watch on the continent. If Sundowns go to the final of the CAF Champions League, Billiat is certain to be a contender for the CAF Player of the Year accolade in the next edition of the awards. Billiat is looking forward to playing against the best in the world at the Fifa Club World Cup.
“This has always been a dream. We want to play with the best to see how we are. We want to judge ourselves and see what is the difference between the best and us,” said the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season.
“I want to thank God for keeping me injury free. This has always been my dream to qualify with my country and to be where we are with Sundowns. It’s not by luck. It’s by the grace of God. We just need to keep on fighting hard. As a team we will stand a good chance to get points.”
Independent Media