Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says Khama Billiat knows that he is still loved at the club as he seemingly left the door open for the Zimbabwean’s return.

Billiat left the Brazilians for Kaizer Chiefs two seasons ago amid a lot of fanfare from Naturena, while Downs were left bitterly disappointed by his departure.

Life has not gone swimmingly for Billiat at Chiefs, though, as he struggled to consistently reproduce the form he showed at Downs.

There were then rumours linking him with a move back to Chloorkop at the start of the season, but it never materialised and he stayed at Naturena.

In an interview with SAFM, Mosimane gave an insight into his relationship and understanding of Billiat while also likening his situation to that of Neymar, who is desperate to return to Barcelona.

‘Khama played different football [at Sundowns]. Khama is totally different. It’s unbelievable – every week I am watching [him]. You must know that I took this boy as a 22-year-old from Ajax Cape Town; they were flirting with relegation and I told him that he’s the greatest player Zimbabwe has ever produced and [would be] a big player for Sundowns. I sold him the vision and look what happened when Khama was on the pitch,’ Mosimane said.

‘He is a totally different player and you’ve got to know how to deal with him – soft and he also likes to be told he’s a star.

‘When you have top players, you have to make sure they play according to the strengths but the system you play must suit everyone to play to their strengths.

‘Of course, it will never be 100% the way you want but you’ve got to allow them to play the way they want to play. Our job is to coach and allow them [top players] to play to their strengths and Sundowns way of playing suits Khama. I am not saying the way Chiefs play doesn’t suit Khama. I know people will start saying other things now.

‘All I am saying is that Khama knows. I can tell you he knows … he is a good player and we love him at Sundowns.

‘He left for greener pastures and there’s nothing wrong. He wants to look after his family – that’s life. Neymar left Barca because he wanted something else and wanted to go back to Barca, at least rumour says it, but I’m not here to discuss other teams but Khama knows. I will end there,’ concluded Mosimane.