Billiant talks to ajaxct.com

Billiat arrived in Amsterdam on January 16 and described his reception as very welcoming. “Everyone at Ajax Amsterdam was so nice and friendly,” said Billiat. Reuniting with former Ajax Cape Town team mate, Thulani Serero, was also an added bonus for the young Zimbabwean. “Having Thulani there helped a lot. We made some moves that we used to do when we played together.”

The week in Amsterdam also afforded Billiat the chance to touch base with Hennie Spijkerman, the former Head of Technical Affairs at Ajax Cape Town and current assistant coach at Ajax Amsterdam. “Having Hennie there made a difference because he’s a coach who knows me and what I’m capable of and what I need to do to take my game to another level,” added Billiat.

During the trial period, the player’s versatility was put to the test as he was played in various positions, on the left and right side of the park, as a striker and even in the midfield alongside Serero.

Comparing training sessions between the two clubs, Billiat said, “There wasn’t a big difference, it’s another level of football. They are more focused and they don’t lose the ball easily. They are professional on and off the pitch.”

While in Amsterdam, Billiat was able to observe the technique of the youth players there in comparison with that of the youngsters in South Africa. “The biggest difference I noticed is that they don’t lose the ball as easily and they know when to dribble and when not to dribble. They all know what to do when it comes to keeping the ball and going forward.”

Billiat also had the opportunity to work with the legendary Dennis Bergkamp, an occasion he described great experience.

But the opinion that mattered most was arguably that of Frank de Boer and the Ajax Amsterdam head coach was constructive in his advice. “He said that he was impressed by the way I conducted myself with the coaching staff and the team. He told me what I must work on to be a better player and that they will take it from there and invite me back.”