Khama Billiat has refuted swirling social media claims that he pocketed a hefty US$45,000 signing bonus to join Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newcomers, Scottland FC.
The former Kaizer Chiefs forward was officially unveiled as a Scottland player on New Year’s Day, marking a new chapter for the ambitious club, which has its sights set on competing for a top-four finish in the 2025 season. Backed by a staggering US$2.5 million sponsorship package from Sakunda Holdings and IMC Communications, Scottland FC is making waves as the league’s best-sponsored team.
Billiat’s high-profile signing generated immense buzz, with bloggers and commentators speculating about his contract details. Among the claims was that the 33-year-old had been paid US$45,000 upfront for his signature—a figure he dismissed as false and exaggerated.
“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,” Billiat told Zimpapers Sports Hub in an exclusive interview.
The Zimbabwean international expressed concern over how such rumors could jeopardize his safety. “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,” he said.
Scottland’s squad-building efforts have been nothing short of spectacular. In addition to Billiat, the club has already secured reigning Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, first runner-up and top scorer Lynoth Chikuhwa, and former CAPS United midfielder Kingsley Mureremba.
The cash-rich team is also reportedly targeting Soccer Star of the Year finalists Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora) and Godknows Murwira (CAPS United). If the moves materialize, Scottland will boast six of the 2024 Soccer Stars of the Year in their ranks, alongside reigning Coach of the Year Tonderai Ndiraya, who is set to join from Simba Bhora.