ZIMBABWE international forward Khama Billiat was paid his R1 million signing-on fee by African champions Mamelodi Sundowns after the intervention of the South African Football Players Union, a South African newspaper reported, quoting sources, said Billiat was paid his money last week.
Apparently, according to the newspaper, Sundowns had decided not to pay their forward, who is angling for a move away from the team at the end of his contract this season, because they believed he would have left the club.
“It took the intervention of the South African Football Players union for Mamelodi Sundowns star Khama Billiat the get the club to pay his R1 million signing-on fee,’’ the newspaper said.
“The money was only paid into the player’s account after newly-elected Safpru president Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe called the 2016 Confederation of African Champions League champions to enquire about the outstanding payment.
“A source informed the Sunday Times that “Billiat was to get his money on or before August 31, but that did not happen”.
“When the player enquired about the non-payment ‘someone at the club told him that they thought he was going to leave and was not out on the payroll.’
“It was only after Gaoshubelwe called Yogesh (Singh, Sundowns acting general manager) that Billiat got what was due to him.
Billiat, the Premier Soccer League Player, Players Player and Midfielder of the Season for 2006, is in a battle to improve his salary at the Brazilians.
“The 27-year-old switched from Ajax cape Town to Sundowns for about R9 million in 2013 and he currently earns R160 000 gross (a month) and takes home R90 000.
“Last week Sundowns tabled a deal of R200 000 gross which will shoot his net pay to R135 000. But his representatives were not moved as they want R200 000 net.’’
According to the newspaper, negotiations are still going on.
“We are still negotiating right now. What has thrown Sundowns off a bit is that Billiat’s representatives are interested in improving the player’s net (salary) and what is going to get into his account at the end of the month,’’ sources told the newspaper.
“The net salary of the player, the amount he is taking home to feed his family, is what matters.’’
The newspaper said they believe Billiat is already one of the best earners in the South African Premiership.