Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp seems to have changed his attitude towards Khama Billiat following the player’s Man of the Match performance against Golden Arrows on Tuesday.

Middendorp and Billiat had a fall out a few weeks ago after the coach berated the winger on the radio over a decision to play for Zimbabwe during the last international break.

But after putting a great performance in the 2-0 victory, the 29-year-old earned plaudits from his mentor who awarded him a near-perfect rating.

“Khama Billiat contributed to the team performance in terms of his transition from attack to defence,” said Middendorp in his post-match press conference, according to Kick-Off.com.

“This is a process, and this is something where he really not only earned man of the match but he really, in my respect level, he’s close to being 10 out of 10.

“This is something where we really have to mention it, we always say, ‘Ay, okay, no, leave him just for [attacking] – no, if you want to challenge and be successful, you need each and every player in your attacking and your defending.

“This is so much going on at the moment, not only with the players we see on the field but also with the players on the training ground at the moment.”

Billiat won the penalty, which was converted by Daniel Cardoso in the first half before Nkosinathi Sibisi’s own-goal came directly off his header that crashed onto the upright in the second half.