Zimbabwean football legends Moses Chunga and Charles Mabika have both taken to social media to express their gratitude following their receipt of brand new cars each from controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo.
Chivayo gifted both Mabika, a veteran sportscaster and Chunga, a Dynamos legend and former Zimbabwe national team captain, brand new 2024 Toyota Fortuners valued at US$150,000 each.
Announcing he has given the two cars, Chivayo said the gesture is a way of appreciating their contribution to the growth of Zimbabwean football.
Expressing their gratitude, Mabika and Chunga’s videos were shared by Chivayo on his social media platforms.
Chunga said: “Hello sir (Chivayo) ndotenda nechipo chemotikari chamakandipa. Ngazvirambe zvakadaro bamunini. (I would like to thank Sir (Chivayo) for this wonderful gift. May his blessings continue).”
Mabika also echoed the same sentiments: “I’m still in disbelief. This is truly an honor. I’m grateful for this recognition from Sir Wicknell Chivayo.”
Both football legends collected their vehicles over the weekend.
The source of Chivayo’s wealth though remains a source of great debate with accusations he is exploiting his proximity to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to loot the state run parastatals and commissions.
Chivayo was for example was corruptly awarded a US$40 million tender for the supply of election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Chivayo was also accused of defrauding the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) of US$5,6 million in the controversial Gwanda Solar Project.
Although he was later cleared by the courts there is lingering suspicion his closeness to the president played a part.
