Businessman and philanthropist Wicknel Chivayo has urged the Highlanders executive to exercise financial prudence and ensure accountability following his decis...
Businessman and philanthropist Wicknel Chivayo has urged the Highlanders executive to exercise financial prudence and ensure accountability following his decision to provide the club with a further US$250 000.
Chivayo, who has become a major individual financial supporter of Zimbabwean football, said his assistance to Highlanders should not be treated as an entitlement.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Chivayo said his financial support came with an expectation that beneficiaries would maintain professional standards and responsible leadership.
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“Where I personally commit substantial resources, I reserve every right to expect high standards, professional conduct and responsible leadership,” Chivayo said.
He said the same expectations applied to Highlanders players and the club’s executive, particularly regarding the management of the funds he provides.
“I expect the players to publicly conduct themselves in a manner befitting that great institution, and I equally expect the executive to demonstrate sound management, proper governance and clear records showing how the funds I provide are being utilised,” he said.
Chivayo said he expected clear explanations on how his money was being spent and warned that he could withdraw his support if he was dissatisfied with its management.
“Where my money is being spent, there must be satisfactory explanations and proper justification, not confusion or any discord,” he said.
“If I am not satisfied, I reserve the right to pull the plug without notice. Voluntary sponsorship must never become an entitlement. With the greatest respect, I don’t owe anyone anything,” Chivayo said.
He said his decision to release the additional US$250 000 followed an intervention by a senior politician from Matabeleland whom he holds in high regard.
“In fact, it was only last week, following the intervention of a senior politician from Matabeleland whom I hold in the highest regard, that I agreed to release a further US$250 000 this week towards Highlanders,” he said.
Chivayo also disclosed that he had given Scottland FC a US$100 000 winning bonus following the club’s 1-0 victory over Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
He said his commitment to Zimbabwean football and charitable causes remained unchanged, but stressed that financial assistance should be matched by discipline, responsibility and results.
“I promise I will try and continue supporting Zimbabwean football wherever I believe my contribution can make a meaningful difference,” Chivayo said.
“I spend willingly and wholeheartedly, but I will never surrender my right to ask questions about conduct on the field and stewardship off it,” he said.
The latest support comes as Highlanders continues to face financial challenges and relies on various interventions to meet its obligations and sustain its football operations.
Chivayo’s comments place emphasis on the management of the latest funds and make clear that he expects accountability from the club’s leadership.
His remarks also highlight the wider role of private financial support in Zimbabwean football, with individual benefactors providing funds to clubs and players while expecting responsible management of their contributions.
For Highlanders, the US$250 000 injection provides additional financial support, while Chivayo’s comments set out his expectations regarding how the money should be handled.
