Zimbabwe Footballer Khama Billiat Signs Sponsorship Deal With Adidas

Zimbabwe and Ajax Cape Town winger Khama Billiat "scaled new heights in his growing international profile" when he recently secured a three-year endorsement deal from adidas, according to Petros Kausiyo of the ZIMBABWE HERALD. Billiat becomes the first Zimbabwean player to get an endorsement from adidas, with the int'l company having previously chosen to "only chip in with once-off sponsorship packages." The deal means he will be featured on some of adidas' commercials as well as its various social responsibility programs. Billiat will become the local face of adidas as it seeks "to penetrate the Zimbabwean market." Adidas and local financial institution BancABC are already working on a deal that "will see the kit manufacturer produce replicas" for Premiership club Dynamos and Highlanders as well as police outfit Black Mambas. Billiat would be given "an annual budget," which he can use on any adidas equipment of his choice. Billiat's Manager Edzai Kasinauyo said, "It's a three-year deal, and he gets paid extra bonuses for performing well. He will also get paid on a quarterly basis, and he gets a spending budget on any items on the adidas range on a yearly basis. With this deal it means Khama would have to wear adidas boots for club and country for the next three years, and he will do some promotional stuff when requested to do so by the company." Billiat also recently told South African football magazine Kickoff of his wish to break into the European leagues, having earlier this year had a chance to go for trials to Ajax Amsterdam. Billiat said," As long as I keep playing well, I will be close to moving to Europe. It also depends on which team or league wants you" (ZIMBABWE HERALD, 9/20).