Khama Billiat has revealed that the occasional exclusion of Themba Zwane from Mamelodi Sundowns' starting lineup under Pitso Mosimane was often surprising to his teammates.
Billiat was, at the time, part of CBD attacking trio – Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly upfront which Masandawana was relying massively on.
The likes of Teko Modise, Hlompo Kekana and Tiyani Mabunda used to operate in the midfield.
At the time, Zwane had returned from loan spell he had at Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Billiat asserts that Zwane has consistently performed at a high level, even during their time as teammates.
He noted that there were moments when they were taken aback by his absence from the starting lineup.
BILLIAT ON EX-DOWNS TEAMMATE – ‘I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR HIM’
“Of course, definitely Themba Zwane has always been great. There are games whereby, we would be shocked that Pitso [Mosimane] is not like putting him in the starting eleven.
“But we had so much quality and you could still spot Themba Zwane’s quality. I have so much respect for him. He has never changed.
“He’s always been like this. In training, never loses the ball. Great teammate to be around. He makes other people around him look very good.
“We are not that good, you know (laughs). But playing around him makes it easier. Very, very composed. Themba Zwane has never changed.
“And for me, you could see him, even if you come to training, even if he was not playing, he would give you the same performance even at training. When he comes in, he will change the game every time.”
