Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE football family is mourning the sudden death of businessman and benefactor Wicknell Chivayo.
Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, two pilots and an 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 of strength 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 also bought Highlanders a team bus.
“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,” 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 made a meaningful difference at critical moments.
Meanwhile, Scottland were also left mourning their sponsor.
The club said Chivayo had become more than just a sponsor, describing him as an important member of the Scottland family who believed in its 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.
“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 the club.
