Middendorp on Billiat’s TKO exclusion

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Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has revealed it was impossible to field Zimbabwean Khama Billiat in his side’s Telkom Knockout semi-final loss against Maritzburg United, which upset him.

The Chiefs forward was left out of the squad for Sunday’s defeat which caused a stir among the Amakhosi faithful.

The German coach said after the game that it was upsetting to not have the forward in his side.

‘It’s upsetting [that Billiat could not play]. He definitely went already with a tight hamstring into two national team games, but [there is] nothing we can do,’ Middendorp told the media.

‘He played against Botswana and was already playing with pain.

‘He came back despite this and played in Zambia, and it was not possible [to get him ready to play against Maritzburg United],’ added Middendorp.

‘We tried on Saturday afternoon with a late [fitness] test, but it was impossible to bring him in.’

Chiefs are next in action when they face Stellenbosch in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday night, looking to continue their fine form in the league.