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Chivayo pledges US$300,000 and luxury team bus for Highlanders
2 hrs ago |
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Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has thrown his weight behind Highlanders Football Club following the appointment of former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach ahead of the 2026 Premier Soccer League season, pledging substantial financial and logistical support to the Bulawayo giants.
In a statement posted on social media, Chivayo welcomed the club's decision to engage Mwaruwari, describing the former Manchester City and Portsmouth striker as one of Zimbabwe's most decorated footballers whose pedigree "speaks for itself."
He cited Mwaruwari's exposure to regional football in South Africa and his rare experience in European leagues as key attributes that make him, in Chivayo's view, the best candidate to lead iBosso at a time when results have fallen short of expectations.
"I therefore wish to congratulate the team, the technical management, and more importantly, Mkoma Benji, on this well-deserved appointment," Chivayo said.
As part of his backing, Chivayo announced an immediate cash injection of US$300,000 to the club, to be channelled through Highlanders curator Jabulani Nkomo. He said the funds are intended to assist with the new head coach's sign-on and annual salary, clear outstanding player arrears, and facilitate the recruitment of new players ahead of the new season.
Chivayo added that he would also purchase a vehicle of the new coach's choice, in line with the value stipulated in Mwaruwari's contract.
In a further boost, the businessman revealed that he has bought a brand new 75-seater Higer executive bus worth US$285,000, fitted with amenities including reclining seats, a toilet and executive onboard facilities, to improve the team's travel conditions, particularly for away matches.
"It is my sincere hope that, with this small token, the morale of management, the technical team and, most importantly, the players will be significantly boosted," he said, expressing confidence that the resources would be used prudently under the club's leadership.
Chivayo said his support was motivated by a promise to his late uncle, former Vice President John Landa Nkomo, a lifelong Highlanders supporter, and by what he described as a patriotic commitment to Zimbabwean sport.
He was, however, emphatic that his assistance does not signal any intention to take control of the club.
"For the avoidance of doubt, I have no intention whatsoever to control or take over Highlanders Football Club," he said. "My role remains purely that of a supporter, driven by love for Bosso and belief in Zimbabwe's future."
Highlanders supporters have largely welcomed the developments, viewing the appointment of Mwaruwari and the pledged support as a significant morale booster as the club targets a renewed push for the 2026 Premier Soccer League title.
In a statement posted on social media, Chivayo welcomed the club's decision to engage Mwaruwari, describing the former Manchester City and Portsmouth striker as one of Zimbabwe's most decorated footballers whose pedigree "speaks for itself."
He cited Mwaruwari's exposure to regional football in South Africa and his rare experience in European leagues as key attributes that make him, in Chivayo's view, the best candidate to lead iBosso at a time when results have fallen short of expectations.
"I therefore wish to congratulate the team, the technical management, and more importantly, Mkoma Benji, on this well-deserved appointment," Chivayo said.
As part of his backing, Chivayo announced an immediate cash injection of US$300,000 to the club, to be channelled through Highlanders curator Jabulani Nkomo. He said the funds are intended to assist with the new head coach's sign-on and annual salary, clear outstanding player arrears, and facilitate the recruitment of new players ahead of the new season.
Chivayo added that he would also purchase a vehicle of the new coach's choice, in line with the value stipulated in Mwaruwari's contract.
In a further boost, the businessman revealed that he has bought a brand new 75-seater Higer executive bus worth US$285,000, fitted with amenities including reclining seats, a toilet and executive onboard facilities, to improve the team's travel conditions, particularly for away matches.
"It is my sincere hope that, with this small token, the morale of management, the technical team and, most importantly, the players will be significantly boosted," he said, expressing confidence that the resources would be used prudently under the club's leadership.
Chivayo said his support was motivated by a promise to his late uncle, former Vice President John Landa Nkomo, a lifelong Highlanders supporter, and by what he described as a patriotic commitment to Zimbabwean sport.
He was, however, emphatic that his assistance does not signal any intention to take control of the club.
"For the avoidance of doubt, I have no intention whatsoever to control or take over Highlanders Football Club," he said. "My role remains purely that of a supporter, driven by love for Bosso and belief in Zimbabwe's future."
Highlanders supporters have largely welcomed the developments, viewing the appointment of Mwaruwari and the pledged support as a significant morale booster as the club targets a renewed push for the 2026 Premier Soccer League title.
Source - Byo24News
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