By Nigel Siziba
BUSINESSMAN Wicknell Chivayo has once again extended his ‘generosity’ to financially struggling football giants Highlanders FC, availing a US$1 million sponsorship package to cover administrative, talent search and sign-on fees for the rest of the season.
Chivayo took to his social media pages to announce the deal, saying it will start off with a US$250 000 cash injection, part of a US$1 million package to be spread over a year, all in honour of his late uncle, former vice-president of Zimbabwe, John Landa Nkomo, who died in 2012.
He said the US$250 000 will help the club administratively, and the the bigger chunk to help the club in scouting for talent and sign-on fees in the club’s 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
“A few months ago I had the honour and privilege to attend the 65th edition of ZITF, spending time in Matebeleland rekindled vivid childhood memories, we grew up as passionate lovers of football in general and Highlanders in particular. This heartfelt connection to the Bosso spirit reminded me once again of the unbreakable bond between culture, football and community,” Chivayo said.
He added: “It is my pleasure to avail a sponsorship worth US$250 00 in cash to Highlanders FC, as a small token to assist the club in various administrative requirements, this is part of the broader sponsorship package of US$1 million that will run over next year to help the club to secure new talent and cover player sign-on fees in order to foster a more competitive 2025 Premier Soccer League.”
Chivayo has proposed to the club that his cousin, businessman and son of the late vice-president, Jabulani Nkomo be the steward of that funding.
“His involvement will only be to work closely with the leadership of Highlanders FC, ensuring that the disbursement of this sponsorship is strictly in accordance with the club’s budgeted expenditures to support player welfare and strengthen administrative excellence. I believe this will help to preserve the integrity of the club and promote its performance sustainably, for the love of the game,” Chivayo said.
Earlier in the year, Chivayo came to the Bulawayo giants’ rescue when the club faced a Fifa transfer ban over monies owed to former coach Baltemar Brito and his assistant Antonio Torres and the businessman cleared the debt, before the Fifa sanctions.
Highlanders’ principal sponsors are Sakunda Holdings and also partner King’s Bullion, CBZ Holdings, Better Brands, Nyaradzo Funeral Services, Sanctuary Insurance, among other business entities.
Bosso gets US$1million boost from Chivayo
