Former Kaizer Chiefs and Zimbabwe Warriors striker Khama Billiat disappears with Standard Bank’s R400,000… Why he turned down a Saudi Arabia offer

Johannesburg – Former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat is reportedly in debt to a leading South African bank to the tune of nearly R400,000, and court officials are struggling to locate him to serve legal papers demanding repayment. The Zimbabwean international, who also enjoyed stints with Mamelodi Sundowns, is now playing for Scottland FC in his home country, having apparently left his South African address.

Standard Bank has approached the Johannesburg High Court to recover approximately R372,066 from an overdraft credit facility granted to the 34-year-old footballer in 2020. According to the bank, Billiat made his last payment in 2023. He was allegedly required to repay amounts ranging between R80,000 and R90,000 monthly, but continued to use the money without making consistent repayments.

According to Standard Bank’s website, its clients can access up to R250,000 in a recurring overdraft facility, which must be repaid in monthly instalments at a personalised interest rate.

A sheriff of the Johannesburg High Court, speaking to City Press anonymously, stated that he had been searching for Billiat since last month when Standard Bank lodged its court application. “Our representative has been going to his registered address in Midrand, but to no avail. It appears that nobody is living there as the house is vacant,” the sheriff said.

It has previously been reported that Billiat was involved in a separate legal matter concerning his Midrand residence, with Emerging Markets Home Loans seeking to evict the alleged occupants. “The information we receive is that he no longer lives on those premises; now we are struggling to get a hold of him,” the sheriff added.

The sheriff told City Press that his attempts to contact Billiat have been unsuccessful, and the creditors are close to filing an ex parte application, which would allow proceedings to continue in his absence.

According to the court notice, Standard Bank seeks to recoup its money, citing damages caused by Billiat’s alleged default. “All security assets, meaning any movable asset which is the subject matter of any credit agreement in respect of the debt, shall be ceded to Standard Bank,” reads the notice.

The notice also states that Billiat has a legal obligation to repay the outstanding debt, which is due and payable. “Billiat has an obligation to repay the outstanding debt, which is due and payable and, despite demand, remains unpaid. The bank has drawn default to him in terms of the National Credit Act as a result of nonpayment and non-cooperation,” the notice continues. The bank is also seeking an order for Billiat to pay the costs of the legal action on an attorney-to-client scale.

Billiat, once one of the highest-paid players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), returned to Zimbabwe and initially joined Yadah FC before moving to Scottland FC at the start of this season. He scored 13 goals for Yadah last season.

Efforts to reach Billiat for comment were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Billiat turned down offers from PSL clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United, as well as two Saudi Arabian clubs, to remain in Zimbabwe. The 34-year-old signed for Scottland FC on 2 January 2025, ending speculation about a return to South Africa.

A source close to Billiat told FARPost that his decision to remain in Zimbabwe stems from a deep connection to his roots and a strong relationship with Scottland FC owner Scott Sakupwanya.

“He is enjoying the love at home. The support he received upon return to Zimbabwe was overwhelming,” the source said. “That made him stay. Any player of his calibre would have left, but he has enjoyed being in touch with his roots.”

The source added that “Moreover, the club owner [Scott Sakupwanya] played a crucial role when he came back home, so their relationship is strong. That is why he is at Scottland FC right now.”

“They gave him a big reason to believe in himself, so maybe he will retire in Zimbabwe. The offers came, but he decided to stay because playing here gave him peace of mind,” the informant continued. “That is why he never took time to decide on his future after leaving Yadah FC. In fact, the decision was always clear that he wanted to continue in Zimbabwe. And he will probably end his career in his home nation.”