Online Reporter
KHAMA Billiat was on Sunday forced to deny social media reports that he bagged US$45 000 to join ambitious newboys Scottland.
Billiat was unveiled as a Scottland player on New Year’s Day as the club officially embarked on a squad building exercise to come up with a side that can compete for, at least, a top four finish.
Scottland have so far secured US$2,5 million for the 2025 campaign from two main sponsors, Sakunda Holdings and IMC Communications, making them the best sponsored team in the Premiership, at least for now.
One of the social media claims was that Billiat was handed US$45 000 cash for his signature at the conclusion of his one-year contract at Yadah.
However, Billiat dismissed the claims as baseless and an exaggeration of his contract.
He told Zimpapers Sports Hub that while he will not reveal the financial terms of his contract, it is unfair to both the club and himself that people deliberately mislead the world on his salary. He said his deal was nowhere near that figure.
The football star said while he would normally ignore such reports he felt it was necessary to put the record straight as such speculation could put his life in danger because people would be made to believe that he has a lot of money.
Billiat said he could become a target for criminals.
We understand his fears because the Warriors star has been targeted by criminals before.
In March 2017, Billiat had a brush with death in Johannesburg when six armed robbers pounced on him and held him hostage before stealing his watch and wallet.
He was unhurt in the terrifying incident although he was left to battle the psychological trauma of coming face-to-face with the agents of crime.
The robbers, who were armed with AK-47 assault rifles, pounced on Billiat when he stopped at an Engen service station.
He had just amassed R450 000 in prize money and this meant he was a target for robbers who believed he could be easy prey and had a lot of money.
So, you can understand his fears when reports start to filter through that he has just struck a jackpot of about US$832 000 to sign for Scottland.
Journalists and social media bloggers need to verify their facts before posting.
We know it’s a wild jungle out there and there is fierce competition for likes and huge followings on social media but that should not come with endangering the lives of our stars through reckless posts. They need to understand that they have a responsibility to ensure that what they post is factual and doesn’t push our stars, who include Billiat, into a very difficult position where even their safety cannot be guaranteed.
We can’t just wake up tomorrow running with a story that Billiat is now earning US$50 000 a week playing for Scottland because that is not true.
Hopefully those social media bloggers understand that they also need to be fair on the likes of Billiat.
