Khama Billiat’s Yadah transfer: A look at Zimbabwean Premier League salaries
The recent transfer of Khama Billiat to Yadah FC has sparked renewed interest in the often-opaque world of player salaries in the Zimbabwe Premier League.
While exact figures are rarely made public, Billiat’s move, believed to be one of the highest-paid transfers in the league’s history, offers a glimpse into the financial landscape of Zimbabwean football.
FARPost, with the help of agents and footballers, takes a look at salaries in the Zimbabwe top-flight.
The league, sponsored by Castle Lager to the tune of about US$1.2 million per season [R22.7 million], traditionally runs between March and November.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star looked set to join traditional giants Dynamos after hinting interest in moving to his homeland.
Billiat’s transfer saga took an unexpected turn on Tuesday night when he was met at the airport by Yadah Stars officials, sparking rumours of a potential signing. However, negotiations with Dynamos, who had previously agreed to a US$20,000 sign-on fee, stalled over payment terms.
Billiat reportedly sought the full amount upfront, which Dynamos were willing to split into two instalments.
Manica Diamonds stepped in and offered a more immediate US$20,000 [R380 000] sign-on fee, US$3,500 [R66 000] monthly salary, and a US$500 winning bonus.
But it was the Yadah deal that he eventually agreed to, which has a US$5 000 [R9 500] salary and a US$1 000 [R19 000] winning bonus. The deal makes Billiat the highest-paid footballer in the Zimbabwe Premier League.
HOW MUCH DO PLAYERS AND COACHES IN THE ZIMBABWE PREMIER LEAGUE EARN?
For the longest time, FC Platinum, home to former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza, were the highest-paying club. Between 2020 and 2022, the mining outfit paid Silas Songani in the region of US$4000 [R76 000], making him the highest earner during that period. Songani now plays his football in Iceland for Vestri, a top-flight side in the Nordic island country.
The second layer of professional footballers in Zimbabwe earns in the region of US$2500 [R47 000], while the third earns around US$1500 [R28 000].
“Kuda Mahachi was recently approached by one of the clubs in the [Zimbabwe] PSL, and the offer was about US$2500 per month and a signing on fee of US$10000 [R190 000],” said a source close to the deal.
At entry level, a Zimbabwean footballer will pocket a salary of US$400 [R7 600] per month.
Mapeza, said to be the highest-earning coach, pockets a monthly salary of US$9000 [R170 000] at FC Platinum, while Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu is reportedly earning around US$ 4,500 [R85 000].
RELATED STORY: How much Khama Billiat will earn at Yadah FC