Chivayo gifts cause havoc at Bosso

Internal divisions are reportedly widening at Highlanders F.C. following businessman Wicknell Chivayo's recent gesture of gifting luxury vehicles and fuel allowances to members of the club's leadership.

What may have been intended as a goodwill gesture has instead allegedly triggered tensions within the Bosso family at a time the club is marking its centenary celebrations.

Sources say the development has fuelled resentment within the club, with internal politics increasingly overshadowing football matters at the Bulawayo giants.

Chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla is said to be among those caught in the fallout. He was recently suspended over allegations of financial mismanagement linked to the club's pre-season tour of Botswana.

However, insiders claim his acceptance of a luxury vehicle and US$10,000 for fuel from Chivayo may have intensified divisions, with some senior figures reportedly questioning why a relatively new executive should receive such benefits.

Mnkandla only recently joined Highlanders from FC Platinum, where he served as general manager.

There are growing allegations that he is being targeted amid an internal power struggle, with claims that some individuals are seeking to push him out of the club.

The Botswana trip has reportedly become central to the accusations, with claims that accommodation costs were inflated. However, sources say the travel arrangements were handled through an agency, Gilport Enterprises, which was recommended by certain stakeholders.

Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe is said to have endorsed the process, while finance executive Nkani Khoza reportedly approved the related expenditures. Payments were processed through the club's finance department, with Mnkandla neither a signatory to the club's bank accounts nor directly handling the funds, according to insiders.

Further claims suggest Mnkandla may also be facing resistance for refusing to approve certain tenders linked to individuals within the club's leadership.

One such tender reportedly involves the resurfacing and rehabilitation of the Highlanders Club House grounds, part of efforts to improve the club's playing facilities.

Sources allege that a senior former executive member had pushed for the tender to be awarded to him, but Mnkandla declined to approve the proposal.

This stance, insiders claim, may have placed him at odds with some within the club, fuelling efforts to remove him.

The allegations could not be independently verified, and Highlanders officials had not publicly commented on the claims at the time of publication.