Khama Billiat's exit at Kaizer Chiefs was finally confirmed over the weekend with the club highlighting their version of what transpired in leading to how the relationship with the attacker came to an end.
Billiat has been at Chiefs for five years after completing a blockbuster move from Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Through those five years at Naturena, Chiefs have not lifted any silverware with Billiat taking his share of criticism considering his high-profile status at the club.
The former Zimbabwe international joined Chiefs on a free transfer which influenced the club's decision to hand him an improved deal from what Sundowns were offering to renew his stay at the Brazilians.
In his first year at Chiefs, Billiat went into double figures scoring 11 goals in all competitions starting off impressively under Giovanni Solinas before fading away after Ernst Middendorp took over midway across the season.
Amakhosi finished in a lowly ninth position in the standings.
Then into the Zimbabwean's second season, Billiat's scoring numbers dropped with injury disrupting his playing time as Chiefs lost out on the league title in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season.
Billiat had injury issues again under Gavin Hunt before returning to be an influential figure under new coach Stuart Baxter. But had an underwhelming season under Arthur Zwane with injury again hampering his progress and failed to trouble the scoresheet for the season for the first time playing in South Africa.
When the initial three-year deal which had an option of a further year expired Billiat was then offered a new two-year deal in June 2021 which he accepted.
That second contract expired on June 30 2023 with Chiefs then offering Billiat a contract extension.
KickOff has been reliably informed the latest contract offer tabled by Chiefs was initially set to include a huge 50% pay-cut which the 32-year-old was hoping to negotiate to improve the terms of the deal.
Days later instead of improving their offer, Chiefs then further reduced their salary offer that would see the player's financial package be lessened even further.
Billiat then stormed out of negotiations without signing the offer with Chiefs insisting that the player agree to their terms while being reminded to appreciate what the club had done for the player.
The former Ajax Cape Town star – who works without any established agent – chose not to be strong-armed into signing the offer made by Chiefs leading to the player ending communication with the club's hierarchy.
Billiat, who was initially willing to negotiate a salary cut, was left disappointed by the manner of negotiations with the club leading to him refusing to agree to a new deal.
Over the weekend, Chiefs then released a statement outlining that Billiat had been offered a deal which he had not responded to and had been last seen at Kaizer Chiefs village on June 29.
It was further mentioned that Billiat had failed to show up for camp yet the fact at hand is that he had no longer had a contract with the club since July 1.
The player and club now face an uncertain future as there remains a huge gap in negotiating any potential deal.
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