Wicknell Chivayo's Football Legacy: Clubs, Coaches and Legends Who Received His Millions
- Wicknell Chivayo spent millions on Zimbabwean football over a decade, backing clubs, national teams and individual legends
- Highlanders FC received more than US$2 million in combined contributions, including a US$285,000 team bus and four luxury vehicles
- His final reported football contribution came on 30 September 2026, the same day he died in a helicopter crash
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Wicknell Chivayo established himself as one of Zimbabwean football's most significant private financiers over roughly a decade, directing millions of dollars towards clubs, coaches, national teams and some of the country's most celebrated football personalities.
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His most substantial commitments were to Highlanders FC. In June 2025, Chivayo pledged a US$1 million sponsorship to the Bulawayo club, citing the contribution as a tribute to his late uncle, former Vice-President John Landa Nkomo.
A US$300,000 payment followed in January 2026, partly funding the appointment of coach Benjani Mwaruwari and addressing outstanding player obligations. That same month, Chivayo purchased a 75-seater bus for the club at a cost of US$285,000.
Vehicles and cash for Highlanders figures
Following Highlanders' 1-0 win over Dynamos in February 2026, Chivayo announced the release of the remaining US$500,000 from his original pledge. The announcement was accompanied by the handover of four vehicles: a 2026 Ford Everest worth US$92,000 for Mwaruwari, a Toyota Fortuner worth US$80,500 for chairman Luke Mnkandla, and Toyota Fortuners valued at US$72,500 each for CEO Denzil Mnkandla and Highlanders Legends chairman Madinda Ndlovu.
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Each recipient also received US$10,000 for fuel and personal use. Highlanders confirmed a further US$250,000 contribution on 30 September 2026, hours before Chivayo died in a helicopter crash, with contemporary reports placing his total publicly reported support for the club above US$2 million over two years.
Scottland FC was another major beneficiary. In December 2024, IMC Communications, the company fronted by Chivayo, injected US$1 million into the Harare club. A US$100,000 player bonus followed in September 2026 after a CAF Confederation Cup victory. Chivayo had reportedly been backing Scottland even before the club reached the Premier Soccer League.
Legends, coaches and the Warriors
Several prominent individuals received vehicles and cash. In December 2024, Zimbabwe legend Peter Ndlovu collected a 2024 BMW X6M Competition reported to be worth approximately US$144,000 in Sandton, South Africa.
Dynamos legend Moses Chunga and football commentator Charles Mabika each received Toyota Fortuners valued at US$150,000. In January 2026, veteran coach Sunday Chidzambwa received a 2026 Toyota Fortuner GD6 worth US$72,000 alongside US$20,000 in cash.
Chivayo's involvement with the Warriors dated back to 2016, when he purchased a vehicle for then-national coach Callisto Pasuwa at a reported cost of US$69,000. He and businessman Scott Sakupwanya later donated US$250,000 to the Warriors following their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with a further US$250,000 directed to the squad during the tournament itself.
Dynamos also received a pledge 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 he declined both, citing potential conflicts under FIFA's ethical framework.
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Source: Briefly News
