Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KHAMA Billiat has denied social media reports that he bagged US$45 000 to join Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newcomers, Scottland.
Billiat was unveiled as a Scottland player on New Year’s Day as the cash-rich 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.
When Billiat was unveiled, the development triggered a scramble for contract details, especially by bloggers, most of whom are nowhere near the player nor the club.
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.
In an exclusive interview with the Zimpapers Sports Hub, Billiat said 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.
“I am not at liberty to divulge the financial terms of my contract with Scottland, but I need to clarify that the US$45 000 figure circulating on social media is baseless. My deal is nowhere near that.
“Ordinarily I would have ignored the reports, but it creates problems. It puts my life in danger because people will be made to believe that I have such amounts of money, and they (criminals) can target me,” said Billiat.
Apart from Billiat, Scottland are expected to unveil a star-studded squad that includes reigning Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year, Walter Musona, and first runner-up, Lynoth Chikuhwa, who is also the reigning top scorer.
They had already unveiled former CAPS United midfielder Kingsley Mureremba and are also being linked with Soccer Star of the Year finalists Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora) and Godknows Murwira (CAPS United).
This gives Scottland six of the 2024 Castle Lager Soccer Stars of the Year, while the number goes up to seven when adding reigning Coach of the Year, Tonderai Ndiraya, whose move from Simba Bhora is all but official.
It is with these high-profile acquisitions in mind that Billiat and, to some extent, the club feel that reports of a US$45 000 sign-on fee for the former Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs star can upset their squad, especially those whose contracts are still being prepared.
“There is no doubt that there is a lot of interest in what is happening at Scottland but at the same time it is unprofessional to create hype using false information that then puts me at risk over money that I do not have.
“It is quite disturbing that someone finds it okay to just come up with a ridiculous figure and run with it on social media without reflecting on what it does, especially to me,” added Billiat. Earlier, Billiat expressed his deepest gratitude to Prophet Walter Magaya, Yadah Football Club, and the entire community for their unwavering love and support during his tenure with the club when he had seemed done with playing football.
“I’m still on cloud nine from the love and support I received on my homecoming. I’d like to give the highest credit to Prophet Walter Magaya and Yadah Football Club as a whole for making me feel at home.
“To everyone who supported me at the club and took their time to come see me from different roots and areas, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Billiat said.
The talented forward also paid tribute to Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive, the technical team, and teammates, wishing them the best in their future endeavours.
“To my coach and technical team, I’ve learned, and to my teammates, it was a great one. I wish you nothing, but the best of luck. I’m filled with emotions, gratitude, and hope for the future.”
Meanwhile, as part of the CAF club licencing requirements, Scottland last Friday unveiled former Highlanders chief executive Ronald Moyo in the same role.
Moyo said he is ready for the challenge ahead.
“I’m honoured to be joining Scottland FC at this exciting time. I’d like to thank the club president and the board for their trust in me. I’m eager to get started, work with the team, and contribute to the club’s success.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m ready for the challenge and committed to helping Scottland FC achieve its goals,” said Moyo.
daniel chigunwe
