Khama Billiat says Kaizer Chiefs are in a “good space” as they start a brand new season, with plenty of weapons in their arsenal to cause problems for his old club Mamelodi Sundowns in their MTN 8 quarterfinal.

Chiefs begin the 2021-22 season with the all-important knockout clash against Sundowns on Sunday afternoon and Billiat has been impressed by the work his teammates have been putting in ahead of the new campaign, as they look to compete on all fronts this season.

“It’s so refreshing to see the guys, the energy is different and the coach. We are actually in a very good space. This is a good start for us. We need to start very strong, and we know that Sundowns is not an easy side to play against,” Billiat said ahead of the game as he looks to rediscover his best form after an injury ravaged campaign last season.

He says the players will look to execute the coaches’ plans and that things look good for Chiefs ahead of the game against the Brazilians at the Lucas ‘Master Pieces’ Moripe Stadium.

“We have worked to get everything we need from the coaches before the game. I strongly believe we are feeling good and we are working towards the right goal,” says Billiat.

The Zimbabwean international is pleased with the camaraderie and spirit amongst the team, and of the positivity in the camp.

“It’s just interesting to come to training every day enjoying it, we are seeing lots of smiles. The guys are looking sharp,” says the talented midfielder.

While Billiat is happy with the collective progress of the team, he is also looking to write a new personal chapter in the 2021-22 season,.

“It has been difficult for me. For the first time in a while I am feeling good. I am feeling fresh and it is refreshing to be training with everyone and with the new guys. The tactical side of the game is just amazing. To be training with the guys everyday and to do what we love doing is brilliant,” says Billiat.

He wants to write his name into Chiefs folklore and believes the club will this season be aiming to collect as many trophies as possible.

“Coming to a big club like this, you want to be part of history. You want to see yourself on the wall with pictures celebrating. This is something that every player wants. I am here for that and there is a lot of trophies that we can go for and we are in the right space,” says Billiat.

He believes that desire to be successful and competitive burns brightly amongst the entire Chiefs squad at the moment.

“It’s looking good. We are very hungry and this is a chance for us to start very strong with the MTN 8 and push ourselves and to see if we are really ready for the season. We are looking good and hopefully we will be sharp against Sundowns,” he says.

The game against Sundowns is a reunion with his old team, but he is not letting the occasion get to him, of facing former teammates.

“It’s a good feeling to come up against them, it’s a game in which I don’t want to put myself under a lot of pressure. We have a lot of good guys, who can change the game at any time, ” says the creative midfielder.

He is confident Chiefs will be able to give a good account against Sundowns.

“We are going out there as a team, strongly following what the coach wants us to do. We believe with his tactical work he is a person that actually shows you in training how it works. Everything is coming out right and going in a good direction,” says Billiat.

He signed off by committing himself to the Chiefs cause this season and to doing all he can to help Amakhosi be competitive.

“It’s going to be a different season for the Amakhosi family. We are going all out to give them everything that we have in our system to bring trophies home this is the season. For the fans, to just appreciate the support they have been giving us through the hard times and the good times,” concluded Billiat.