For as long as neighbours could remember, the house was one of the most popular houses in the hood.
There at the house, the late former CAPS United and Warriors midfielder Cheche Billiart together with his siblings were raised.
Cheche later left the homestead for Kuwadzana leaving the parental home for other siblings who included eldest brother Mustaff.
Mustaff later went on to raise his two kids at the house and among them was Ajax Cape Town and Warriors hotshot Khama.
The 22-year-old, together with Knowledge Musona of Kaizer Chiefs, took the South African Premiership by storm last season with the latter emerging as the top goal scorer.
Upon paying a visit to Khama’s residence in Mufakose one could not help but notice heaps of pit sand and thousands of bricks stacked outside the gate – a sign of work in progress.
Inside the gate, a heavy stench of sweat permeated the air as builders were working on the foundations for face lifting the property.
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As we waited outside, a small built man approached us upon hearing that some strangers were enquiring about his son’s whereabouts.
Had it not been for the age difference between Khama and the man, I would have thought that the man, who happens to be Khama’s father, was the one whom I was looking for.
Like any proud father, his eyes brightened upon hearing that we were members of the press and had come to interview his son.
“I am happy for what he has achieved in such a short space of time. He is now my hope as he has begun extending his (late) grandparents’ house,” he said.
“Everyone in the community is happy, as you can see they are coming to wish him good luck. I remember very well in 1997 when he was doing grade three when I bought him the first soccer kit.
“It was in Liverpool colours and he liked it very much, but unfortunately he was deemed too young to play in the team. He was not disappointed as he just sat with the team admiring his new kit. I am glad today he has managed to bring improvements to this house. We, his parents failed to do that and for him to do that at such a tender age, is something to applaud.”
Khama scored 11 goals for Ajax
Khama, an attacking midfielder whose 11 goals helped Ajax Cape Town get to second position, was born to Mustaff and Rosa in Mufakose.He attended Lord Marlven High School where his school fees was being paid by Aces Youth Academy and that is where he met his friends, who include Musona and Gunners’ Quadr Amini.
His major disappointment is failing to make the grade at CAPS United as he would have loved to follow his uncle Cheche’s footprints.
However, in just a short space of time, he has managed to do what most soccer players fail to achieve in a lifetime and examples are plenty.
Growing up in the crime and poverty-stricken suburb of Mufakose, many would have thought that Khama would lose it in the lights of Cape Town where most soccer players end up being more popular on the dance floor than on the soccer pitch.
I fulfilled Cheche’s dream— Khama
Khama is happy to have fulfilled Cheche’s (his uncle’s) dream of playing professional football.
“It is very unfortunate that my uncle (Cheche) is dead. He used to push me with my game. He would tell me that such and such behaviour does not befit a footballer,” he said.
“I also remember when I was young and my father would take me to watch my uncle play for CAPS United. That encouraged me as I told myself that if a member of my family could play in front of such a crowd and excite them, why couldn’t I?”
He added; “I hope to achieve more this coming season. Last season was good for us as we had a good understanding with Thulani Serero.”At that moment an elderly lady approached us with the view of greeting the young star.
“Mwanangu ndafara nezvauri kuita. Ramba wakadaro. Ugouyawo wondiona kumba, uuye neUS$5 yangu yeshuga. Utengere baba vako motokari. (My child I am happy with what you are doing. Do not forget to come to my home with money for sugar. You should also by your father a car),” she said before leaving.
Khama, who drives a Chevrolet Sparks and does not have a girlfriend, added that growing up in the poverty-stricken family remained his inspiration.
“We grew up in a poor family and that will always motivate me to aim higher. If I follow my uncle’s advice, the sky will be the limit,” said the down-to-earth youngster while caressing his Blackberry phone.
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