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Chivayo offers to dig Bosso out of their financial hole
19 hrs ago | Views
Business mogul and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has stepped in to assist troubled Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Highlanders Football Club, offering to pay the club's outstanding $27,000 debt and help lift their FIFA-imposed transfer ban.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Chivayo expressed his commitment to clearing the debt owed to Highlanders' former coach, Baltemar Brito, and his assistant, Antonio Joao Torres. Chivayo, known for his involvement in various charitable initiatives, stated, "Bosso ngenkani! (team yezwe lonke. Babethi ayibulawe, ayisoze ibulawe sikhona). I will gladly pay this outstanding debt directly to the former coach tomorrow without fail. Someone please inbox and share the banking details with exact amount due asap."
The gesture comes as Highlanders are facing significant financial challenges. FIFA imposed a transfer ban on the club after they failed to settle salaries owed to Brito and Torres, totaling US$14,778 for Brito and US$11,788 for Torres, along with accrued interest. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee had given Highlanders a 45-day window to pay the debt, but after the club failed to meet the deadline, the transfer ban was enforced, preventing them from registering new players both domestically and internationally.
This ban has thrown a wrench in Highlanders' plans to rebuild their squad ahead of the 2025 Castle Lager Premiership season, as they are in the process of revamping their lineup under the guidance of newly reappointed Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu. The transfer ban may hinder their ability to strengthen the squad, as the club lost key players such as Lynoth Chikuhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, Peter Muduhwa, and Marvelous Chigumira in the offseason.
FIFA's sanctions will remain in place until the club settles the debt, or until a maximum of three consecutive registration periods have passed. This situation mirrors that of Yadah Stars, who were also banned by FIFA last year for failing to meet financial obligations to foreign players.
In response to the ban, Highlanders' CEO Brian Moyo acknowledged the issue and assured fans that efforts were underway to resolve it swiftly. "Yes, it is true, the club owes the foreign coaches. Efforts are underway to remedy the situation as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the transfer window. We are working round the clock with our partners and in full consultation with the Reserve Bank to ensure compliance with funds transfer regulations," Moyo said.
Despite the financial strain, Moyo remains optimistic that Highlanders will clear the debt and lift the ban in time to strengthen the team for the upcoming season. The club's supporters are hoping that with the help of Chivayo's generous offer, Highlanders can overcome this setback and finally break their 19-year league title drought.
As the clock ticks on the domestic transfer window, the club faces a race against time to resolve their financial obligations and refocus on their domestic campaign. This incident highlights the financial struggles of local football clubs and underscores the importance of fulfilling contractual obligations to avoid severe penalties that could undermine future ambitions.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Chivayo expressed his commitment to clearing the debt owed to Highlanders' former coach, Baltemar Brito, and his assistant, Antonio Joao Torres. Chivayo, known for his involvement in various charitable initiatives, stated, "Bosso ngenkani! (team yezwe lonke. Babethi ayibulawe, ayisoze ibulawe sikhona). I will gladly pay this outstanding debt directly to the former coach tomorrow without fail. Someone please inbox and share the banking details with exact amount due asap."
The gesture comes as Highlanders are facing significant financial challenges. FIFA imposed a transfer ban on the club after they failed to settle salaries owed to Brito and Torres, totaling US$14,778 for Brito and US$11,788 for Torres, along with accrued interest. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee had given Highlanders a 45-day window to pay the debt, but after the club failed to meet the deadline, the transfer ban was enforced, preventing them from registering new players both domestically and internationally.
This ban has thrown a wrench in Highlanders' plans to rebuild their squad ahead of the 2025 Castle Lager Premiership season, as they are in the process of revamping their lineup under the guidance of newly reappointed Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu. The transfer ban may hinder their ability to strengthen the squad, as the club lost key players such as Lynoth Chikuhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, Peter Muduhwa, and Marvelous Chigumira in the offseason.
In response to the ban, Highlanders' CEO Brian Moyo acknowledged the issue and assured fans that efforts were underway to resolve it swiftly. "Yes, it is true, the club owes the foreign coaches. Efforts are underway to remedy the situation as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the transfer window. We are working round the clock with our partners and in full consultation with the Reserve Bank to ensure compliance with funds transfer regulations," Moyo said.
Despite the financial strain, Moyo remains optimistic that Highlanders will clear the debt and lift the ban in time to strengthen the team for the upcoming season. The club's supporters are hoping that with the help of Chivayo's generous offer, Highlanders can overcome this setback and finally break their 19-year league title drought.
As the clock ticks on the domestic transfer window, the club faces a race against time to resolve their financial obligations and refocus on their domestic campaign. This incident highlights the financial struggles of local football clubs and underscores the importance of fulfilling contractual obligations to avoid severe penalties that could undermine future ambitions.
Source - online
