Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS’ last supper with Wicknell Chivayo was on Wednesday when they received a US$250 000 cash injection from the late businessman.
His benevolence had seen Highlanders receive financial aid to the tune of US$2 million in the last two years.
Chivayo had even bought the club a bus that Highlanders president Dumisani Sandi said they would not have afforded.
In mourning Chivayo, who died in the Marondera air crash with his wife Lucy, two pilots and two other passengers, the Highlanders president said the philanthropist’s intervention last year had appeared to be a God-sent mission.
“We are very, very sorry. Condolences to his family and Zimbabwe. As a club, we have been touched by the sad news of his passing on.
“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.
Of the bus, Sandi said: “Even the beautiful bus he bought us, we wanted one but we just would have dreamt on as we would not have afforded it on our own. We were so grateful for all he did for us and the support on salaries we have been getting from Sakunda, who, in appreciation, we have on our replica jerseys.”
On Wednesday, Highlanders issued a statement acknowledging receipt of the latest gift, saying the contribution would help clear outstanding obligations to its playing staff and bring much-needed financial stability.
The donation came at a time when Bosso are celebrating their centenary season and follows a series of financial interventions by Chivayo since mid-2025.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon after receiving the donation, Highlanders expressed gratitude to Chivayo, describing him as an “all-weather friend” whose support had made a difference at critical moments.
“As Highlanders FC celebrates its historic centenary, we are particularly grateful for the extraordinary confidence and goodwill Mr Chivayo has continued to show towards the club. His support over the past two years, now exceeding US$2 million, has made a meaningful difference to Highlanders FC at important moments – including support towards staff obligations, club infrastructure and the generous donation of a team bus,” said the club.
Highlanders said the latest contribution would allow the club to move swiftly towards clearing outstanding obligations to its players.
“The latest contribution will enable the club to move swiftly towards clearing outstanding obligations to our playing staff and providing much-needed stability as we focus on a strong finish to the season,” said Bosso.
The club also sought to assure supporters that funds received from Chivayo and other partners would be properly accounted for.
Earlier this year, he also pledged a US$80 000 vehicle for then newly appointed coach Benjani Mwaruwari, alongside other support to the club.
As Bosso enter the next chapter of their 100-year history, the club said it was now focused on building a more commercially sustainable institution.
“This includes strengthening our commercial and marketing structures, growing our revenue streams and unlocking the full value of the Bosso brand and its remarkable supporter base,” said Highlanders.
The latest cash injection came at a time when the club is seeking greater financial stability on and off the field as it pushes to finish the season strongly.
