Match-fixing petition: Chivayo withholds US$250 000 Afcon gift for Warriors

CELEBRATED philanthropist, Wicknell Chivayo, yesterday revealed that he has been compelled to temporarily hold back the payment of Warriors’ US$250 000 pledge that was meant to uplift their morale following their recent Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) early exit.

Zimbabwe’s Afcon campaign came to an end after a narrow 3–2 defeat to South Africa in their final Group B fixture at the Marrakech Stadium, in Morocco.

The loss condemned the Warriors to the bottom of the group and dashed their hopes of reaching the round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.

This was after they lost 2-1 to Egypt and played a one all draw against Angola.
Following the Warriors’ early Afcon exit, Chivayo had pledged to give the Warriors US$250 000 in cash to elevate their self-esteem.

“However, upon learning of a petition submitted to Fifa alleging matchfixing in the final game against South Africa, I felt it prudent to temporarily withhold disbursement pending the results of the formal enquiry,” posted Chivayo on his Facebook Wall yesterday.

“As someone who respects the integrity of sport and the authority of Fifa, I now kindly request that this US$250 000 be instead placed under your custody Mr President (Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi) for safekeeping and to be held in trust.

“You can only disburse the funds to them after Fifa or any relevant authority has issued a definitive ruling on the allegations. Regardless of the outcome, the funds shall remain earmarked exclusively for football development purposes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chivayo, just can’t stop giving.

Chivayo has gifted Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) president Nqobile Magwizi a new Range Rover valued at US$250 000.

Chivayo announced the development via a Facebook post on Monday that read: “Even in the face of Zimbabwe’s short-lived Afcon appearance, Zifa ensured that the Warriors were fully funded and adequately catered for throughout their campaign.

Despite the early exit, the Warriors played wholeheartedly and there were no complaints about their welfare or conditions, a rare occurrence in our footballing history.”

Chivayo said that was a decent accomplishment, a testimony to an emerging culture of the country’s football leadership.

“This silent achievement is a testament to a new culture of football governance that is results-oriented and player-centred. In appreciation of your excellent service, I am pleased to say a big congratulations to you President Magwizi.

“Please go and see Victor at Exquisite car dealership and collect your BRAND NEW 2026 RANGE ROVER SPORT, D350 Autobiography Limited Edition, US$250 000 has been paid in full and your beautiful car is ready for collection.”—@FungaiMuderere