Khama Billiat’s move to Yadah FC has sparked a remarkable success story, both on and off the field. The former Kaizer Chiefs star’s jersey sales have set a new record in Zimbabwe, generating an impressive R2.1 million (US$120,000) for his new club. This achievement underscores Billiat’s enduring popularity and significant impact on Zimbabwean football.
The substantial amount raised from Billiat’s jersey sales highlights the success of the transfer orchestrated by Yadah FC’s founder, Prophet Walter Magaya. The US$20,000 signing fee for Billiat was swiftly recouped, thanks to a surge of interest from Harare businessmen, top gold dealers, and PHD Ministries members based abroad, all eager to own a piece of the star player’s legacy.
What sets this story apart is how Prophet Magaya has chosen to utilize the proceeds from the jersey sales. Instead of benefitting personally, he has redirected the funds to support women’s football in Zimbabwe. The Heart Group of Companies, founded by Magaya, has used the US$120,000 to sponsor the Women’s Super League, which has now been renamed the Heart League.
This sponsorship deal is a game-changer for women’s football in Zimbabwe, as the league had been without financial backing for a decade. The total sponsorship amount has reached US$320,000 (R5.6 million), covering the remainder of the season and providing a much-needed boost to women’s football development. Magaya’s strategic vision in bringing Billiat to Yadah FC was not just about achieving league success but also about making a broader impact on the football community. By investing the proceeds from jersey sales into women’s football, Magaya has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and promoting the sport at all levels.
In an interview with FARPost, Magaya explained the rationale behind his decision: “I advised the club’s leadership to sign Billiat not just for league success but for the broader impact. The jersey sales have not only repaid the investment but also supported women’s football, which is crucial for the girl child.” He further elaborated, “We decided to invest the $120,000 from jersey sales into the women’s league, increasing the total sponsorship to $320,000, thanks to additional funds we had set aside to support women’s football since the start of the season.”
Prophet Magaya’s investment in football has garnered significant support, including endorsements from prominent figures such as former Kaizer Chiefs star Willard Katsande and former AmaZulu FC captain Tapuwa Kapini. As Magaya prepares to run for the presidency of the Zimbabwe Football Association, his efforts in transforming Zimbabwean football and supporting women’s football are likely to strengthen his candidacy.
The success of Khama Billiat’s transfer and the subsequent sponsorship of the Heart League represents a transformative moment for Zimbabwean football. Magaya’s vision and commitment to both men’s and women’s football have set a new standard and demonstrated the profound impact that strategic investments can have on the sport.
In other news – Urgent call for National disaster declaration amidst water crisis and cholera concerns
In light of the ongoing water crisis in Harare and Bulawayo, experts and lawmakers are urging the Zimbabwean government to declare the situation a national disaster. This call comes in the wake of a recent cholera outbreak that claimed over 700 lives and infected thousands since its onset in early 2023. Despite the official declaration of the outbreak’s end in July, the conditions that facilitated the disease remain unresolved, heightening fears of a resurgence.
On Tuesday, the water crisis affecting Bulawayo and Harare was prominently discussed in Parliament. Zanu PF Proportional Representation lawmaker Rita Ndlovu highlighted the severe water shortages and the risk of another cholera outbreak if urgent action is not taken. Read More
