Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat has responded strongly to rumors claiming that he received a signing bonus of US$45,000 (around R850,000) when he joined Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC. The experienced Zimbabwean international, who made a high-profile move from Chiefs to Scottland FC, has been forced to clarify the situation following the circulation of these unfounded reports on social media.
Billiat addressed the speculation head-on, emphasizing that the figures circulating online were entirely false. “I am not at liberty to disclose the financial terms of my contract with Scottland FC, but I need to make it very clear that the US$45,000 signing fee being mentioned is completely baseless,” Billiat stated. “My contract and financial agreement with Scottland are nowhere near that amount.”
The reports, which have been widely shared across various social media platforms, suggested that Billiat’s move to the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League club involved a significant signing fee, something that many fans and followers found hard to believe, considering the financial disparity between clubs in the Zimbabwean league and the top-tier teams in South Africa where Billiat previously played.
While Billiat remained respectful of the confidentiality of his contract terms, he was compelled to address the rumors in light of their potential consequences. “Normally, I would have just let these kinds of reports slide and not responded to them,” he explained. “But in this case, these rumors create real problems for me. It’s not just about inaccurate reporting, it’s about how it affects my personal life and safety.”
The veteran player went on to explain that the false claims about his earnings could make him a target for criminals. “When people start believing that I have access to large sums of money, it creates a dangerous situation for me and my family,” he said. “Criminals or others with ill intentions could easily target me, thinking that I am a person with wealth, which is far from the reality.”
Billiat, who has enjoyed a successful career in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, noted that such rumors were not just harmful to his reputation but could have a wider negative impact on his well-being. “It’s unfortunate that these kinds of false stories get out, especially when they could lead to real-life issues that have nothing to do with football,” he added. “I’m just here to play football and enjoy my career, but I also want to live in peace and ensure that my family is safe.”
The 32-year-old forward, known for his dazzling skills and vital contributions at Kaizer Chiefs and previously at Mamelodi Sundowns, has had a notable impact in Zimbabwe’s football scene since joining Scottland FC. However, with his name now linked to financial rumors, Billiat has been forced to speak out to clear the air and avoid any further misinterpretation of his situation.
Despite the negative attention caused by these rumors, Billiat made it clear that he was focused on his football career and grateful for the opportunity to continue playing in Zimbabwe. He remains committed to helping Scottland FC achieve success in the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League, even though he will undoubtedly continue to face the scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile player in African football.
As the conversation around player salaries and transfer fees continues to swirl in the football world, Billiat’s decision to set the record straight serves as a reminder of the challenges players face when it comes to managing their public image. While rumors are often part and parcel of life for professional athletes, the consequences of misinformation can be far-reaching, affecting not just a player’s career but also their safety and well-being.
Billiat’s message is clear: While he is not concerned with the financial details of his contract becoming public, the spreading of false and sensationalized figures poses real-world risks. “I just want to make sure that the truth is out there and that people understand the situation,” he concluded. “The rest is up to them, but I’ll continue to focus on my job and the reason I’m here — to play football and contribute to my team’s success.”
In the meantime, fans of Billiat, Scottland FC, and Zimbabwean football at large will no doubt be relieved to hear the player set the record straight, while hoping that his focus can remain solely on the game without being distracted by online rumors.
