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Mwaruwari owed 3 months' salary as Chivayo payment chain breaks down
3 hrs ago |
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Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari has gone three months without pay, after a sponsorship payment chain involving millionaire benefactor Wicknell Chivayo's associates broke down.
The 47-year-old former Manchester City striker, who took charge of the Bulawayo giants in January, has received just one salary since his appointment. Several contractual obligations remain unmet, including the provision of a phone, laptop, match bonuses, and accommodation.
A tense meeting last week between Mwaruwari and club chief executive Denzil Mnkandla ended without resolution, with Mnkandla reportedly insisting the club was not responsible for the delays.
The situation has exposed the unusual structure of Chivayo's $1 million sponsorship for the 2026 season. Instead of depositing funds directly into the club's account, payments are routed through Chivayo's lawyers and curator Jabulani Nkomo, who controls disbursements. Sources say the process has stalled, leaving the coach unpaid.
Club officials privately expressed frustration, arguing they would prefer to manage the funds directly with full audit accountability. "We are grateful for the sponsorship, but the arrangement with Nkomo, who is the sponsor's choice, is far from ideal," one official said.
Neither Mnkandla, Mwaruwari, nor Nkomo commented on the matter.
The saga adds to a difficult start for Mwaruwari, who remains unbeaten in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League but has drawn all seven matches. He recently lashed out at a press conference, accusing unnamed officials of sabotage and criticizing delays in securing a work permit for Zambian forward Isaac Ngoma, who debuted in last week's draw against ZPC Kariba.
The club has since appointed Culvin Mavunga as performance analyst, addressing one of Mwaruwari's grievances.
The 47-year-old former Manchester City striker, who took charge of the Bulawayo giants in January, has received just one salary since his appointment. Several contractual obligations remain unmet, including the provision of a phone, laptop, match bonuses, and accommodation.
A tense meeting last week between Mwaruwari and club chief executive Denzil Mnkandla ended without resolution, with Mnkandla reportedly insisting the club was not responsible for the delays.
The situation has exposed the unusual structure of Chivayo's $1 million sponsorship for the 2026 season. Instead of depositing funds directly into the club's account, payments are routed through Chivayo's lawyers and curator Jabulani Nkomo, who controls disbursements. Sources say the process has stalled, leaving the coach unpaid.
Club officials privately expressed frustration, arguing they would prefer to manage the funds directly with full audit accountability. "We are grateful for the sponsorship, but the arrangement with Nkomo, who is the sponsor's choice, is far from ideal," one official said.
Neither Mnkandla, Mwaruwari, nor Nkomo commented on the matter.
The saga adds to a difficult start for Mwaruwari, who remains unbeaten in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League but has drawn all seven matches. He recently lashed out at a press conference, accusing unnamed officials of sabotage and criticizing delays in securing a work permit for Zambian forward Isaac Ngoma, who debuted in last week's draw against ZPC Kariba.
The club has since appointed Culvin Mavunga as performance analyst, addressing one of Mwaruwari's grievances.
Source - zimlive
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