Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, has been a significant private financier of Zimbabwean football for nearly a decade. He directed millions of dollars towards various clubs, coaches, national teams, and celebrated football personalities. His most substantial commitments were to Highlanders FC, a Bulawayo-based club. Chivayo's involvement with Zimbabwean football has been extensive, with his contributions making a notable impact on the sport.
Highlanders FC received more than US$2 million in combined support from Chivayo. This includes a US$285,000 team bus and four luxury vehicles. In June 2025, Chivayo pledged a US$1 million sponsorship to the club, describing it as a tribute to his late uncle, former Vice-President John Landa Nkomo. This pledge was followed by a US$300,000 payment in January 2026, which partly funded the appointment of coach Benjani Mwaruwari and helped settle outstanding player obligations.
Chivayo's support for Highlanders FC extended beyond financial contributions. In January 2026, he purchased a 75-seater bus for the club at a reported cost of US$285,000. Following the club's 1-0 win over Dynamos in February 2026, Chivayo announced the release of the remaining US$500,000 from his original pledge. This announcement was accompanied by the handover of four vehicles to key club figures, including the coach and chairman.
Other Zimbabwean football clubs and figures also benefited from Chivayo's support. Scottland FC received a US$1 million injection from IMC Communications, a company fronted by Chivayo, in December 2024. Additionally, Chivayo donated US$100,000 to Scottland FC in September 2026 after the club's CAF Confederation Cup victory. Several prominent Zimbabwean football figures, including Peter Ndlovu and Moses Chunga, received vehicles and cash from Chivayo.
Chivayo's involvement with the Warriors, Zimbabwe's national team, dated back to 2016. He purchased a vehicle for then-national coach Callisto Pasuwa at a reported cost of US$69,000. Later, Chivayo and businessman Scott Sakupwanya donated US$250,000 to the Warriors following their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Chivayo also directed a further US$250,000 to the squad during the tournament.
Dynamos, another prominent Zimbabwean club, received a pledge from Chivayo in 2026. Despite losing the Harare Derby 2-1 to CAPS United, Chivayo honoured a pre-match promise, committing a 65-seater bus and US$50,000 in player bonuses. ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi was offered vehicles on two occasions but publicly confirmed that he declined both, citing potential conflicts under FIFA's ethical framework.
Chivayo's final reported football contribution was a US$250,000 donation to Highlanders FC on September 30, 2026, just hours before his fatal helicopter crash. This contribution brought his reported financial support for the club to more than US$2 million over two years. Highlanders chairman Kidman Ndlovu confirmed the donation, which was made at around 1 pm on the day of the crash.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo spent millions supporting Zimbabwean football over a decade.
- Highlanders FC received more than US$2 million in combined support from Chivayo.
- Chivayo's final reported football contribution was a US$250,000 donation to Highlanders FC just hours before his death.
