Midfield dynamo Khama Billiat is edging closer to his first bite of football since his career fright against Maritzburg United in early January.
The Zimbabwe international, who ended up on the wrong side of a late Travis Graham tackle in that game, has already rejoined his team-mates at the KC village and is working on his match fitness.
Billiat has now opened up about the challenges of recovering from a leg fracture.
“It has been difficult,” Billiat shared, “We are professional footballers and we always want to contribute by playing through hard and good games, so you can grow as a person.
“I got injured against Maritzburg United and I never saw it coming. I have never been in a situation where I have had to miss so many games.
“It was difficult for me. I thought I would push myself harder and come back as soon as possible but I understand that everything happens for a reason. I thank God for the strength, and I feel better at the moment.”
Billiat’s presence will undoubtedly boost Amakhosi morale ahead of a crucial CAF Champions League clash with Wydad Casablanca. However, seeing him on the pitch at this point in time might be a case of wishful thinking, as Gavin Hunt is unlikely to risk it so soon after his return.
Billiat missed the embarrassing loss to Wydad in the first leg but is well acquainted with the kind of damage the Moroccans can inflict, having previously faced them with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018.
“I am back,” he continued. “Hopefully the coach will give me a chance. Thankfully, I am training with the team. I just need to work on my fitness. As a player, it’s your mentality and how hard you work so you can contribute to the team.
“Wydad is a good team. We struggled to play against them in the first game in Burkina Faso. I have known them for a long time, and they are not an easy side to play against.
“They work hard and they have been at this level for some time and know how to play the game. Every new game is a chance and brings new possibilities.
“We need to work on our game and make sure we use the fact that we are at home to get a good result. I think we deserve it. We just have to work hard as a team and apply what the coaches want us to do.”
Kaizer Chiefs will play Wydad Casablanca on Saturday 3 at 19:00.