Chivayo threatens Highlanders funding as Mahere questions US$100,000 cash bonus

Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has threatened to withdraw his financial support for Highlanders FC without notice if he is not satisfied with how the club uses his money.

Chivayo, who has emerged as a major private financier of Zimbabwean football, said his assistance must be matched by proper governance, accountability and results.

“If I am not satisfied, I reserve the right to pull the plug without notice,” he said in a social media post.

Highlanders set to receive another US$250,000

Chivayo revealed that he had agreed to release a further US$250,000 to Highlanders this week following the intervention of an unnamed senior politician from Matabeleland.

However, he warned the Bulawayo giants against treating his financial assistance as an entitlement.

“Voluntary sponsorship must never become an entitlement. With the greatest respect, I don’t owe anyone anything,” Chivayo said.

He did not specify which aspects of Highlanders’ management or use of his previous financial support had caused concern.

His warning nevertheless places the club under pressure to demonstrate that the money it receives is being managed transparently and producing the expected results.

Chivayo defends scrutiny of sponsored teams

Chivayo also defended his public comments about the conduct and management of teams he financially supports after critics compared his approach with that of Emirates, the airline that sponsors several football clubs.

“My full name is Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo, and with all due respect I have absolutely no association whatsoever with Fly Emirates,” he said.

Chivayo argued that he was spending his own money through corporate social responsibility initiatives and therefore retained the right to demand professionalism from players and accountability from those managing the teams.

“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.

Mahere questions US$100,000 cash bonus

His remarks came after he disclosed that he had given Scotland FC players a US$100,000 cash bonus following their 1-0 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini.

Chivayo said the reward recognised the team’s performance while reiterating his expectations regarding player conduct, unity, mutual respect and professionalism.

Former MP and constitutional law expert Fadzayi Mahere questioned the handling of such a large cash payment and why it was not made in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), the country’s local currency.

Writing on X, Mahere said: “Which bank allows for the withdrawal of US$100,000 cash? Why do they avoid the banking system? Is this conduct consistent with the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act? Why do they never donate the almighty ZiG? Why do they hate their currency? So who do they expect to use it? We need new leaders.🇿🇼”

Mahere’s post raised questions about the use of cash and the continued preference for United States dollars among wealthy and politically connected Zimbabweans, despite the government’s efforts to promote ZiG.

🔸Vendors – Kupazirwa.
🔸Kariba Ferry Victims – $100.
🔸Team yebhora – $100,000.
🔸Profit Ngirozi – $250,000.
🔸Mudzimai wemunhu – $355,000 car.
🔸New Building – $2,000,000.
🔸Drugdealer Side Gifts – $10,000,000.

We need new leaders.🇿🇼

— Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 (@advocatemahere) September 7, 2026

Chivayo did not address Mahere’s questions in the comments contained in his post.

He maintained that his contributions were voluntary and made clear that future support for Highlanders and other beneficiaries would depend on whether he was satisfied with their performance and financial stewardship.