Controversy-ridden Harare business magnate, Wicknell Chivayo has come to the rescue of Highlanders Football Club after he paid a US$27,000 debt owed to the club’s former head coach Baltemar Brito and his assistant Antonio Joao Torres.
The debt had negatively impacted on Bosso after they were recently hit with a transfer ban by FIFA.
This had jeopardized the team’s quest to strengthen their squad ahead of the looming 2025 season.
Previously, Chivayo who is a self-proclaimed ardent Highlanders fan, had promised to settle the debt once he received the former employees’ banking details.
And, true to his promise, the flamboyant businessman has now fulfilled the promise he made, following Highlanders’ confirmation of the latest development in a statement.
“Highlanders Football Club would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Mr Wicknell Chivayo for his generous gesture in settling the outstanding debts of our two coaches in full, as promised. Sir Wicknell has always been a big supporter of ithimu yezwe lonke, and since 2017, he has given the club tangible support. As we prepare to celebrate our 100-year milestone, Bosso is assured of his continued kindness to this great institution. Once again, we express our deepest appreciation—Siyabonga, Tatenda, Taboka,” the club said in a statement posted on social media.
The latest development means that FIFA will now lift the transfer ban on Highlanders- providing the much-needed boost as the club looks to maintain its competitiveness in the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League.
The Bulawayo giants are currently preparing for their centenary celebrations and Chivayo’s support comes as a morale booster for the team.
