BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
The agent of South Africa-based Zimbabwe international forward Khama Billiat believes envy is the reason behind the recent wave of criticism against the Kaizer Chiefs star player.
Billiat (29), who is the highest-earning player in the South African Absa Premiership, has come under scrutiny from some pundits in the South African media in recent weeks following a rather disappointing season for Kaizer Chiefs.
The criticism comes in the wake of a tough second season for Billiat at Kaizer Chiefs which has been hindered by intermittent injury spells, while he has also been starved of regular game time under German manager Ernst Middendorp.
Billiat had scored just one goal in 13 league appearances for the Soweto giants, who led the Absa Premiership log table when the season was halted in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The censure against Billiat has attracted attention both locally and in South Africa, and the Warriors star has not yet responded publicly to the criticism. However, his business manager Michael Ngobeni has been quick to defend his client.
Ngobeni of M-Sport Management told the Durban-based Mercury newspaper that people were jealous of the Zimbabwe international’s earnings and glamorous lifestyle.
“Not a lot of people were happy when he moved to Chiefs and the speculation on the package and buying of cars has made things worse,” Ngobeni said. “His personal life is his personal life, but the problem about us black people is that we are born with jealousy. We have this illusion that if you are driving a Lamborghini you must be arrested.”
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Billiat is the highest-paid footballer in the South African Absa Premiership, earning an eye-watering R10 million (US$540 000) a year before tax, according to the South African sports website Sport24.
The Aces Youth Academy product also enjoys a glitzy lifestyle that comes with being a football star and in August last year got social media abuzz when he posted pictures with his brand new US$170 660 Range Rover Sport Lumma CLR RS, one of the numerous top-of-the-range cars that he drives.
Ngobeni believes this has made Billiat a target of unfair criticism, but, however, insists that the forward is happy and focused on delivering for Chiefs on the pitch.
Ngobeni likened the criticism against Billiat to that of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba following his then world record transfer.
“His situation is like that of Paul Pogba at Manchester United. Even if he does nothing, they are always all over him.”
“When he is injured, Pogba is not supposed to be injured. If the team loses, it is Pogba. It is the same thing with Khama (at Chiefs),” Ngobeni lamented.
“Khama will always give his all if he is given an opportunity to play. He was not forced to sign with Chiefs and he is happy at Chiefs.”
Ngobeni also vehemently denied that his client might be on the move to his former club Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the season, confirming that Billiat is committed to his contract with the Glamour Boys.
“If there’s any club that wants to buy Khama, they must go to Kaizer Chiefs and buy him. Khama is not free and he has never complained about Chiefs. These are just rumours, he is happy at Chiefs. If someone wants him, they can call me and I will refer them to Chiefs.
“But I understand (the rumours), Khama is a big name now. “I don’t remember the day when he called me and said please find me a new club. Khama will be entering the last year of his contract with Chiefs next season, but has a two-year option,” Ngobeni said.
