Not long ago, Khama Billiat was a peripheral figure in Scottland’s attack, a forward searching for rhythm and goals after managing just one across the entire 2024/25 campaign.
Now, early into the 2025/26 season, the narrative has shifted sharply. Two goals, one assist, and constant movement across the front line powered Scottland to a commanding 3-0 win over Hunters, with the forward emerging as the focal point in a system beginning to revolve around his rediscovered edge.
His opener came in the 20th minute, rising well to meet Moses Shidolo’s cross with a controlled header.
He remained a constant threat, nearly adding another before the break with a similar effort from a Walter Musona delivery, only to be denied by a good save.
There were still moments of rust, as he fired wide when through on goal late in the first half, but his positioning and involvement suggested a forward getting closer to his best.
Just after the restart, Billiat made it count again. A well-delivered corner from Musona found him in space, and he guided his second header into the net to double Scottland’s lead. It marked his second goal of the match and continued a strong start to the season, with four goals in two games.
He could have had more. With the goal at his mercy later in the game, he sent an effort wide, passing up the chance to complete a four-goal haul. But by then, the contest had already tilted decisively.
Scottland captain Musona would eventually add the third, capping a performance in which he was heavily involved across phases, linking play, delivering from wide areas, and orchestrating attacking sequences.
For coach Norman Mapeza, the explanation for Billiat’s resurgence lies less in tactics and more in preparation.
“If you look at Khama Billiat, if you look at Knowledge Musona, they never missed one day of pre-season. Khama was there day and night. You can’t just take anything away from him,” said Mapeza.
“The intelligence is there, the smartness, you know, and it’s just a real talent. Just a real talent.”
It is still early in the campaign, but Billiat’s recent performances point to a player settling into form, and giving Scottland a reliable option in attack.
