“I have no desire to take over ownership of Highlanders” – Chivayo

By Staff Reporter

Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo says he has no intention of taking ownership of Highlanders Football Club in whatever capacity and his financial aid to the Bulawayo giants is motivated by a personal commitment he made to his late uncle, Vice President Cde John Landa Nkomo.

Responding to an inquiry from Check Point, the businessman said the allegations that he wants total control of the institution that is celebrating a century of existence this year were not only absurd but also induce a sense of shock.

He said what surprised him more was that the claims are made despite the fact that he is on record over the reasons behind his financial assistance to Highlanders.

To buttress his argument, Chivayo revealed that Highlanders was not the only local team he is supporting but played a crucial role in the engagement of football legend, Peter Ndlovu as PSL champions Scottland FC’s team manager.


“As I have publicly mentioned before, Cde Nkomo made three heartfelt requests of me. To support the ruling party ZANU PF, to support the John Landa Nkomo Trust and its educational initiatives, and most importantly, to always support Highlanders FC, a club he loved profoundly and regarded as part of his enduring legacy.

For that reason, my support has always been an act of honour for my late Uncle and nothing more. I am under no obligation whatsoever to fund the club and I do so purely out of goodwill and respect for my uncle’s wishes, sacrificing from the little that I have,” said Chivayo.

He added: “For the avoidance of any doubt, I have no intention whatsoever of owning Highlanders FC, taking control of it or owning any other football club for that matter. I therefore dismiss the allegations you have referred to with the greatest contempt that they deserve, as they are entirely false, unfounded and border on malice.”


Added Chivayo: “If my magnanimity and philanthropy that is genuinely meant purely to improve the welfare and morale of the players, is now being distorted into controversy, then I would be prepared at any time to withdraw my support so that the club is not distracted from its core focus on football. My intention has always been to see Highlanders perform better on the pitch and compete more effectively in the Premier Soccer League, just like any other club.”

“In fact, Highlanders FC is not the only club I have supported financially as just last week, I extended significant support to Scottland FC following the appointment of the legendary Peter Ndlovu as team manager. In that light, it is very difficult to comprehend why speculative allegations would be selectively targeted at Bosso, when the club has merely been one of several recipients of my philanthropy in sport,” said Chivayo.