News / National
Chivayo's total donation to Bosso is US$1 million
11 Jun 2025 at 13:26hrs | Views
Zimbabwe's oldest and most iconic football institution, Highlanders Football Club, has secured a landmark US$1 million sponsorship from prominent businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo, marking one of the largest single donations in the club's history.
The funding is a tribute to the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo, and comes as Bosso prepares for the 2025 Premier Soccer League season. The initial US$250,000 cash injection has already been pledged and is earmarked for player welfare, administrative support, and squad strengthening.
"This is not just football," Chivayo said at the announcement. "Highlanders is more than a club-it is a living symbol of heritage, unity, and pride for the people of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe at large. This is about honouring my uncle's wishes and giving back to a community and a club that have shaped our national identity."
The donation stems from a final conversation Chivayo had with the late VP Nkomo during a hospital visit to St Anne's in December 2012. He revealed that Nkomo made three dying wishes: continued support for the ruling ZANU PF party, protection of his family's trust, and sustained assistance for Highlanders FC to preserve its legacy as a cornerstone of Matebeleland culture.
The funds will be disbursed in phases over the next 12 months and are expected to provide vital support as Highlanders look to mount a strong title challenge and develop their long-term infrastructure and youth programmes.
Club officials and supporters have warmly welcomed the gesture, calling it a timely boost that reinforces the historical significance of Highlanders both on and off the pitch.
"This sponsorship is not just about money. It's about roots, legacy, and the restoration of pride," said a Highlanders spokesperson. "We are grateful to Mr. Chivayo for recognising the role Bosso plays in the soul of Zimbabwean football."
The club, founded in 1926, has endured financial turbulence in recent years despite remaining one of the most followed and respected teams in the country. With this new backing, hopes are high for a revival of Highlanders' competitive fortunes and community outreach initiatives.
Chivayo's contribution is the latest in a series of high-profile donations to Zimbabwean football, as private sector support increasingly steps in to revive the nation's sporting institutions.
The funding is a tribute to the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo, and comes as Bosso prepares for the 2025 Premier Soccer League season. The initial US$250,000 cash injection has already been pledged and is earmarked for player welfare, administrative support, and squad strengthening.
"This is not just football," Chivayo said at the announcement. "Highlanders is more than a club-it is a living symbol of heritage, unity, and pride for the people of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe at large. This is about honouring my uncle's wishes and giving back to a community and a club that have shaped our national identity."
The donation stems from a final conversation Chivayo had with the late VP Nkomo during a hospital visit to St Anne's in December 2012. He revealed that Nkomo made three dying wishes: continued support for the ruling ZANU PF party, protection of his family's trust, and sustained assistance for Highlanders FC to preserve its legacy as a cornerstone of Matebeleland culture.
The funds will be disbursed in phases over the next 12 months and are expected to provide vital support as Highlanders look to mount a strong title challenge and develop their long-term infrastructure and youth programmes.
Club officials and supporters have warmly welcomed the gesture, calling it a timely boost that reinforces the historical significance of Highlanders both on and off the pitch.
"This sponsorship is not just about money. It's about roots, legacy, and the restoration of pride," said a Highlanders spokesperson. "We are grateful to Mr. Chivayo for recognising the role Bosso plays in the soul of Zimbabwean football."
The club, founded in 1926, has endured financial turbulence in recent years despite remaining one of the most followed and respected teams in the country. With this new backing, hopes are high for a revival of Highlanders' competitive fortunes and community outreach initiatives.
Chivayo's contribution is the latest in a series of high-profile donations to Zimbabwean football, as private sector support increasingly steps in to revive the nation's sporting institutions.
Source - H-Metro
