Billiat remains steady

The skilful attacking link, who has had a brilliant break into the ABSA Premiership with Ajax Cape Town, faced increasing prospects of leaving the “Mother City” for a bigger club, following interest from Mamelodi Sundowns and some international clubs.

But he played down those prospects. “I remain committed to Ajax, where I still have contract and everything that happens to my career at this moment will have to be decided by them in the manner that is right for both the club and me,” he said. “I really do want to move to a bigger club one day, but until that happens, I will remain committed to Ajax and respect all the decisions they will make regarding any move. I have really enjoyed my stay here. This club has been very supportive of me and helped in my growth as a player.”

While Orlando Pirates were reported to have joined the chase for the Zimbabwean, his South African agent told local media the Zimbabwean had also attracted interest in Russia, where he was scheduled to hold trials with topflight club, Lokomotiv Moscow during their pre-season camp in Slovenia.

“He is only going for a final assessment because the club has been very satisfied with the DVDs we have shown them and now it’s just to look at him close up. It will be a great move for the player because Lokomotiv are a club with massive history – this will be a great chance for him,” said Paiva, who organised the trial.

“After his stay there, I will then sit with Ajax Cape Town and his agent Edzai Kasinauyo, who have been very cooperative in making this happen, to see what is best for Khama.”

Should he make the grade, Billiat will join established European stars like Vedran Corluka, Felipe Caicedo, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Nigeria’s Victor Obinna at the Russian club. The decision on whether or not he would sign was expected at the end of this week.