Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube
IT was a cruel twist of fate.
Just hours after Highlanders thanked their “all-weather friend” Sir Wicknell Chivayo for a fresh US$250 000 cash injection, the flamboyant businessman and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were killed in a helicopter crash in Marondera.
Chivayo and Muteke were among five people who died when the helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area at about 5pm on Wednesday.
For Highlanders, the tragedy has robbed the club of a benefactor whose financial backing had become a major source of support during its historic centenary season.
In a haunting coincidence, Bosso had issued its statement thanking Chivayo for the latest donation less than four hours before news of the crash emerged.
“Highlanders Football Club warmly acknowledges and sincerely thanks Mr Wicknell Chivayo for his latest donation of US$250,000, received by the Club recently,” said the club.
“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.”
The club said Chivayo’s support over the past two years had exceeded US$2 million, covering staff obligations, infrastructure and the purchase of a team bus.
The latest donation, Bosso said, would help clear outstanding obligations to players and provide stability as the team targets a strong finish to the season.
Chivayo had earlier given the club US$300 000, completed a previous US$1 million commitment and pledged a luxury 75-seater bus, which was handed over in February.
He also provided vehicles worth about US$317 500 to senior club officials and the coach.
His death sparked an outpouring of grief among Highlanders supporters, who credited him with standing by the club during difficult times.
Young Bosso supporter Makanaka Bradley Marijeni wrote on Facebook:
“Rest in Peace, Sir Wicknell Chivayo and your beloved wife, Lucy. As a young Bosso supporter, I am deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. Sir Wicknell, your love for Highlanders FC was shown through your
actions — you supported the club, gave to the team, and helped provide a luxury team bus.
“You wanted to see Bosso happy, the players happy, and the supporters happy.
“Your contribution to iBosso will always be remembered.”
Highlanders president Dumisani Sandi said the club was devastated by Chivayo’s death, describing his financial interventions as a lifeline that came when Bosso was struggling.
“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,” said Sandi.
“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.”
Sandi said even the luxury team bus had once seemed beyond the club’s reach.
“Even the beautiful bus he bought us, we wanted one but it was just a dream, 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.”
