Chivayo rewards ZIFA President with luxury vehicle

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has publicly commended newly elected Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President Nqobile Magwizi for transformative reforms and strong leadership within the country's football governing body.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Chivayo described Magwizi's first weeks in office as "hitting the ground running" and praised his administration for reconstituting the ZIFA Secretariat, reactivating critical governance systems, and realigning key operational units. "For the first time in many years, Zimbabwe's football mother body is functioning under an organized and transparent administrative structure," Chivayo wrote.

Chivayo also highlighted the professionalism under Magwizi's leadership during Zimbabwe's recent short-lived AFCON campaign, noting that the national team, the Warriors, were fully funded and well catered for throughout the tournament. "Despite the early exit, the Warriors played wholeheartedly, and there were no complaints about their welfare or conditions – a rare occurrence in our footballing history," he said, describing it as a "silent achievement" and a testament to a results-oriented, player-centered culture.

In recognition of Magwizi's leadership, Chivayo announced that he had purchased a brand-new 2026 Range Rover Sport D350 Autobiography Limited Edition for the ZIFA president, valued at US$250,000, which is ready for collection.

Chivayo also addressed funds initially pledged to uplift the Warriors following their AFCON exit. He revealed that US$250,000 intended for the team's morale boost would be held in trust by President Magwizi, pending the outcome of a FIFA enquiry into allegations of match-fixing in the final game against South Africa. "The funds shall remain earmarked exclusively for football development purposes," Chivayo stated.

Concluding his message, Chivayo expressed pride in being part of a new chapter for Zimbabwean football. "We take pride in being part of this new chapter where football is clean, accountable, and a true symbol of national unity. Well done, President Magwizi!"

This public endorsement from Chivayo comes amid growing calls for transparency and improved governance in Zimbabwean football, signaling a renewed focus on professional administration and accountability at ZIFA.