Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira-Zimpapers Sports Hub
The Highlanders’ US$300 000 and a 75-seater donation from club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo yesterday could turn the fortunes for the Premiership giants if they eventually get their act together in the field of play.
The news came on a day when the club’s finances were also placed under the spotlight at the club’s annual general meeting in Bulawayo yesterday as independent auditors issued a qualified opinion on the club’s books.
The auditors reported that Highlanders’ financial statements for the year ended December 31 2025 were largely in order, but flagged concern over the club failing to produce documents for US$36 450 owed to the club.
“We have audited the financial statements of Highlanders Football Club set out on pages 6 to 20 which comprise the Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2025, the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows for the year then ended, and the Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies,” the report read.
“In our opinion, except for the effects of the matters described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Highlanders Football Club as at 31 December 2025, and financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.”
During the period under review, the club realised US$48 450 in respect of trade receivables. However, auditors said management was unable to provide adequate supporting documentation for US$36 450 owed to the club by various individuals.
“We were unable to perform any alternative procedures to test the completeness, existence and accuracy of the amount recognised,” the auditors said, adding that the amount may relate to receipts and transactions recorded during the festive season, when some companies were closed and confirmations could not be obtained.
Despite that setback in the report, businessman Chivayo honoured his pledge of US$300 000 following the appointment of former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach ahead of the 2026 Premier Soccer League season.
Chivayo also committed to purchasing a brand-new 75-seater Higer executive bus valued at US$285 000.
“Yesterday I was most delighted to learn that Highlanders FC had finally engaged the renowned superstar and one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated footballers of all time, Benjani Mwaruwari, as their head coach,” said Chivayo.
“ . . . I am pleased to extend to the club, through its curator Mr Jabulani Nkomo, US$300 000 immediately,” he said.
Chivayo said the money would go towards the new coach’s sign-on and annual salary, clearing any outstanding player arrears and funding the recruitment of new players ahead of the new season.
“In addition, may the new head coach identify a car of his choice with the agreed value in his contract, and I will gladly buy it this coming week.
“I have purchased and made arrangements for the immediate delivery of a brand new 75-seater Higer executive bus, fitted with luxurious amenities including a toilet, full leather interior, TV, wi-fi, reclining seats and executive on board facilities,” he said.
Chivayo was, however, quick to dismiss suggestions that his support signalled an intention to take over the club.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and contrary to some sentiments expressed in certain quarters, I wish to state unequivocally that I have no intention whatsoever to control or take over Highlanders Football Club,” he said.
