Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira and Langton Nyakwenda
THE football family is mourning the sudden death of flamboyant businessman and football benefactor Sir Wicknell Chivayo, whose generosity had touched clubs and players across Zimbabwe.
Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, two pilots and a personal aide died in a helicopter crash in Marondera on Wednesday.
His death has left Highlanders, Scottland and Bulawayo Chiefs among clubs mourning a man whose name had become synonymous with financial support for football.
For Highlanders, the pain is even deeper.
Just hours before his death, Chivayo had handed Bosso another US$250 000, taking his financial support to the club to more than
US$2 million over the past two years.
Highlanders president Dumisani Sandi described Chivayo as a pillar whose intervention had come when the club was facing possible collapse.
“Chivayo had appeared God-sent to us as he came in at the right time when we were facing collapse with no other imminent source of funding.
“As a club, we do not know where we will get that financial support as he was our pillar and his interventions have carried the club this far,” said Sandi. The businessman had also bought Highlanders a team bus, something Sandi said the club could only have dreamt of owning.
“Even the beautiful bus he bought us, we wanted one, but we just would have dreamt of it, as we would not have afforded it on our own.
“We were so grateful for all he did for us,” he said.
Highlanders said the latest cash injection would help clear outstanding obligations to the playing staff and provide much-needed stability.
The club described Chivayo as an “all-weather friend”, saying his support had made a meaningful difference at critical moments.
Reigning champions Scottland were arguably the biggest beneficiaries of Chivayo’s generosity.
The late businessman poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into the club.
The club said Chivayo had become more than just a sponsor, describing him as an important member of the Scottland family who believed in their ambitions and stood by the team through triumphs and challenges.
“Beyond the sponsorship, Sir Wicknell believed in our dreams, stood by us through every triumph and challenge, and became an invaluable part of the Scottland FC family,” said the club.
Scottland said his death had left a huge void.
“The void left by his sudden demise is huge, not only for Scottland but for everyone whose lives were touched by his generosity,” said the club.
Bulawayo Chiefs also joined the football fraternity in mourning Chivayo and his wife.
“During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have been affected by this tragic loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and friends as they navigate this painful period,” said Bulawayo Chiefs.
Popular football fan Chris” Romario” Musekiwa described Chivayo as a long-time football benefactor.
“The nation has lost more than a philanthropist who touched countless lives through his generosity.
“Chivayo was a loving and caring father, and a great preacher whose sermons were delivered through cheerful giving,” he said.
Thanks to Chivayo, ZIFA managed to settle money owed to Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, a move that allowed the Warriors to take part in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, having missed the previous edition through suspension.
“He also sponsored the Warriors by paying for then coach Callisto Pasuwa’s salary and accommodation.
“Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go to the Chivayo and Muteke families, relatives and friends of all the departed.
“May they find strength and comfort in the Lord during this difficult period,” added Musekiwa, who is also the secretary general for the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association.
