Online Reporter
Welldone Ndlovu and Innocent Kurira
BUSINESSMAN and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo yesterday came to the rescue of troubled Highlanders after offering to settle the Bulawayo Premier Soccer League giants’ debt to former coach Baltemar Brito, which has attracted a ban from registering new players on Bosso from FIFA.
Chivayo, citing a story published in our sister paper The Sunday Mail, made the announcement on his X page, formerly Twitter, and revealed his intention to also pay off the outstanding dues owed to ex-Bosso assistant coach Antonio Joao Torres and Brito.
Brito is owed US$14,778, with the debt accruing an additional US$237.71 in interest as of October 17, 2024, while Torres is owed US$11,788 plus interest of US$193.74 as of the same date.
According to Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, the outstanding dues emanated from winning bonuses, which are paid directly to coaches and players by the club.
Bosso employees’ salaries are catered for by their principal sponsors, Sakunda Holdings.
After reading about Highlanders’ plight, a touched Chivayo posted: “Bosso ngenkani! iTeam 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 the exact amount due ASAP.”
Chivayo’s generosity and philanthropic efforts are well-documented, with a history of giving back to the community.
His timely intervention looks set to save Highlanders and enable coach Kelvin Kaindu to scout for and recommend for signing some new players to bolster his squad.
This is because, in terms of FIFA, Highlanders are prohibited from signing new players locally and internationally for three successive transfer windows.
Chivayo’s intervention left the multitude of Highlanders fans excited, and some of them reacted by expressing their heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the businessman, who was a ZIFA benefactor nine years ago when the association was under Philip Chiyangwa’s leadership.
Mhlophe also expressed his gratitude for the support his club has received from individuals and sponsors following the announcement of the FIFA ban, saying the goodwill was overwhelming.
“The support we have received from our sponsors and individuals has been overwhelming, Mhlophe said.
“This goes on to show how important this institution is to the people, not just as a football club but as a community pillar.
“It has been heartwarming to see the outpouring of kindness and commitment from people who believe in this club. The journey is never easy, but together we will overcome,” said Mhlophe.
FIFA has indicated that the debts will accrue an interest of 5 percent per annum until Bosso settles their dues.
The coaches took their case to FIFA after unsuccessful attempts to engage with Highlanders, a matter that has dragged on since last year.
Highlanders were given a 45-day window to pay the Brazilian coaches but unfortunately could not meet the deadline.
Mhlophe, acknowledging the club’s difficulties, expressed his confidence in overcoming the situation.
“The road ahead is challenging, but we are doing everything we can to ensure the debt is cleared and to rebuild.
“We remain thankful for every individual and sponsor who has stood by us in this tough moment.
“Their belief in Highlanders gives us the strength to keep pushing forward.”
For Bosso, who had been working on bolstering their squad after the departures of key players like Lynoth Chikuhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, Peter Muduhwa, and Marvelous Chigumira, the FIFA ban on registering new players could derail Zambian coach Kaindu’s plans.
However, with support from their fans and sponsors, Mhlophe remains hopeful about the future.
“We will rise.
“This club has a heart and soul that cannot be extinguished, no matter the challenges we face. Next year we celebrate 100 years, and we strive to do better,” said Mhlophe.
