Khama Billiat’s jersey sales have shattered records in Zimbabwe, generating a staggering R2.1 million for his club, Yadah FC.
This remarkable figure underscores the former Kaizer Chiefs star’s immense appeal, both on and off the field.
Billiat’s signing with Yadah Stars, facilitated by club founder Prophet Walter Magaya, has proven to be a masterstroke, yielding a remarkable return on investment.
The $20,000 signing on fee which was paid to the former Mamelodi Sundowns man, was recouped many times over, as Billiat’s jersey sales generated a staggering $120,000 [R2.1 million].
Harare’s businessmen, top gold dealers and PHD Ministries members based overseas clamoured to get their hands on the coveted shirt, making the signing a lucrative move.
What’s truly remarkable, however, is how Magaya chose to use the profits. Instead of pocketing the money he decided to plow it back into women’s football.
HOW THE PROCEEDS FROM KHAMA BILLIAT’S JERSEY SALES WILL BE USED
The Heart Group of companies, founded by Magaya, used the funds to sponsor the Women’s Super League, which was rebranded to Heart League after the unveiling of the deal earlier this month.
The Women’s league had gone without sponsorship for a decade. The total sponsorship deal is worth $320,000 [R5.6 million] and will run until the end of the season.
Magaya’s bold move to lure Billiat against all odds has not only changed the face of Zimbabwean football but has also had a profound impact on the girl child.
Magaya, who appears to be the favourite by a considerable distance to become the next Zimbabwe Football Association boss, has also been endorsed by Amakhosi legend Willard Katsande and former AmaZulu FC skipper Tapuwa Kapini.
Magaya told FARPost that bringing Billiat to the Miracle Boys was a calculated gamble. “It felt good to advise the club’s leadership to sign Billiat, not because we wanted to win the league but because I had seen something beyond winning the championship of this move.
“People really like Billiat, and I knew we were going to recoup everything from the jersey sales, and I’m grateful to all the businessmen who supported the vision as it was all the girl child needed.
“As the Heart Group of companies, we then took the money which was generated off the jersey sales ‘$120k’ and agreed to pour it all into women’s league. It was possible to make it $320k because we had money which we had stashed to help the cause of the girl child since the start of the season,” said Magaya.
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