In a surprising move that left fans in awe, Premier Soccer League side Yadah FC successfully secured the signing of forward Khama Billiat, outmaneuvering rivals Dynamos and several other potential suitors in the race to secure the former Warriors star.
After weeks of intense negotiations and strong interest from clubs like Dynamos, Manica Diamonds, Simba Bhora, Caps United, and Ngezi Platinum Stars, it was Yadah FC that emerged victorious, finalizing the blockbuster signing of the winger on a one-year contract.
Sources reveal that Yadah FC has splashed over US$50,000 in signing-on fees and will pay Billiat a monthly salary of approximately US$5,000. This significant investment demonstrates the club’s commitment to bolstering their squad with top talent.
Billiat, who arrived in the country on Tuesday night, received a warm welcome from Yadah officials, including the club’s CEO Admire Mango and chairperson Everson Chatambudza, at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. He was then whisked away in a convoy of top-of-the-range vehicles to a local hotel. However, this reception left a group of disappointed Dynamos supporters, who had gathered at the airport in the hopes of welcoming the former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns player to their team.
Initially, it seemed that Billiat would join Dynamos, as the club had hinted at a possible deal with the player. However, as negotiations turned into a bidding war, Yadah FC emerged as the ultimate victor, outshining rival clubs like Manica Diamonds, who had reportedly prepared a package offering US$20,000 in signing-on fees and a monthly salary of US$4,000, which was three times the amount Dynamos was willing to pay.
Images of Billiat alongside Yadah benefactor Scott Sakupwanya and close associate Mike Chimombe at a local hotel surfaced, confirming the midfielder’s decision to join the Miracle Boys.
A reliable source within Yadah FC, who requested anonymity, confirmed the signing of Billiat on a one-year contract, with a grand unveiling planned for tomorrow. Both Admire Mango and Everson Chatambudza, when contacted for comment, were unavailable as they did not answer their mobile phones.
As a free agent, Billiat declined to renew his contract with Kaizer Chiefs in June last year. Talks regarding a new deal broke down when the South African league giants offered him a contract at half of his previous earnings. During his five-year tenure at Naturena, the former Warriors star was the highest earner in the Super Diski, taking home over R850,000 per month.
While Yadah FC prepares for their upcoming premier league campaign, commencing with a challenging away match against Hwange next week, it is unlikely that Billiat will debut in that game due to his seven-month period of inactivity.
The signing of Khama Billiat represents a significant coup for Yadah FC, demonstrating their ambition to compete at the highest level. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Billiat in action, as he brings his exceptional skills and experience to the team in their quest for success in the upcoming season.
