Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko
H-Metro Editor
FIRST it was ZIFA, FIFA and Tom Saintfiet in 2015 and, exactly 10 years down the line, it’s Highlanders, FIFA and Beltmar Brito.
The common denominator in the US$200,000 deals is businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Yesterday, Highlanders confirmed that Chivayo had settled, in full, the debt the club owed to their former coaches Brito and his assistant Antonio Torres.
Bosso owed Brito in excess of US$15,000 while Torres was owed slightly more than US$12,000.
Highlanders, who are on the eve of marking their Centenary next year, were banned from any transfer deals by FIFA for their failure to pay the two coaches their outstanding dues.
Chivayo promised to settle the debt and Bosso have since confirmed that this has been done in full.
“Highlanders Football Club would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Mr Wicknell Chivayo for his generous gesture in settling the outstanding debts of our two coaches in full as promised,” the club said in a statement.
“Sir Wicknell has always been a big supporter of ithimu yezwe lonke and, since 2017, has given the team tangible support.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 100-year milestone, Bosso is assured of his continued kindness to this great institution.
“Once again, we express our deepest appreciation. Siyabonga. Tatenda. Taboka.”
Chivayo’s company is also one of the major sports of Premiership newboys Scottland.
Ten years ago, Chivayo bailed out ZIFA after he paid former Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet US$180,000, which he was owed by the association.
The payment was made just two weeks before FIFA’s deadline with the Warriors facing the possibility of being barred from the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The Warriors had already been barred from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers after ZIFA failed to pay another former coach, Valinhos, his dues.
Chivayo settled Valinhos debt after signing a US$1 million sponsorship deal with the then ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa.
Saintfiet coached the Warriors for just one day before being deported for breaching the country’s immigration laws after being found guilty of executing his duties without a work permit.
But the Belgian took his case to FIFA who awarded him the damages in 2013.
