BULAWAYO – Flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo has rejected claims that he plans to take over Highlanders FC, saying his financial support for the club is purely out of respect for a promise he made to his late uncle, former Vice President John Landa Nkomo.
Speaking to the State owned Chronicle newspaper, Chivayo said the allegations were false and surprising, noting that he has repeatedly explained the motivation behind his assistance to the Bulawayo giants, who are celebrating 100 years this year.
He said his support for Highlanders is part of fulfilling Nkomo’s wishes, adding that the help is voluntary and not linked to any intention to own or control the club. Chivayo warned that he could withdraw his backing if it continues to be misinterpreted.
Chivayo also said Highlanders is not the only club he has supported, citing recent financial assistance to Scottland FC and the appointment of football legend Peter Ndlovu as team manager, and questioned why speculation had been directed solely at Bosso.
Below is what Chivayo reportedly said as quoted by the Chronicle’s Check Point
“As I have publicly mentioned before, Cde Nkomo made three heartfelt requests of me. To support the ruling party ZANU PF, to support the John Landa Nkomo Trust and its educational initiatives, and most importantly, to always support Highlanders FC, a club he loved profoundly and regarded as part of his enduring legacy.
For that reason, my support has always been an act of honour for my late Uncle and nothing more. I am under no obligation whatsoever to fund the club and I do so purely out of goodwill and respect for my uncle’s wishes, sacrificing from the little that I have.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, I have no intention whatsoever of owning Highlanders FC, taking control of it or owning any other football club for that matter. I therefore dismiss the allegations you have referred to with the greatest contempt that they deserve, as they are entirely false, unfounded and border on malice.”
“If my magnanimity and philanthropy that is genuinely meant purely to improve the welfare and morale of the players, is now being distorted into controversy, then I would be prepared at any time to withdraw my support so that the club is not distracted from its core focus on football.
“My intention has always been to see Highlanders perform better on the pitch and compete more effectively in the Premier Soccer League, just like any other club.”
“In fact, Highlanders FC is not the only club I have supported financially as just last week, I extended significant support to Scottland FC following the appointment of the legendary Peter Ndlovu as team manager.
“In that light, it is very difficult to comprehend why speculative allegations would be selectively targeted at Bosso, when the club has merely been one of several recipients of my philanthropy in sport,” said Chivayo.
When we take over from Zanu-PF, as the PDC (Progressive Democratic Congress), we're committed to bring the likes of Wicknell Chivayo to book. That will include all his beneficiaries as well. Wadziya moto weMbavha.