Wicknell Chivayo Dismisses Claims of Highlanders FC Takeover
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has strongly denied allegations that he intends to take ownership or control of Highlanders Football Club.
He insisted that his financial support for the Bulawayo giants is driven purely by personal commitment and goodwill.
Responding to inquiries from Check Point, Chivayo described claims linking his assistance to a planned takeover of the club as “absurd,” saying they came as a shock given that he has repeatedly explained his reasons for supporting Bosso.
Also Read: Wicknell Chivayo Proposes Benjani Mwaruwari as Highlanders Coach, Offers to Pay Full Contract
Support Rooted in Family Legacy
Chivayo said his involvement with Highlanders is motivated by a promise he made to his late uncle, former Vice President Cde John Landa Nkomo, who regarded the club as a central part of his legacy.
He explained that Cde Nkomo had made three requests of him: to support ZANU PF, to back the John Landa Nkomo Trust and its education initiatives, and to always stand by Highlanders FC.
“For that reason, my support has always been an act of honour for my late uncle and nothing more,” said Chivayo, adding that he is under no obligation to fund the club and does so purely out of respect for his uncle’s wishes.
“No Intention to Own Any Club”-Wicknell Chivayo
The businessman was emphatic that he has no desire to own Highlanders or any other football institution.
“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,” he said, dismissing the allegations as false, unfounded and bordering on malice.
Chivayo stressed that his sole objective is to see Highlanders improve their performances on the pitch and compete more effectively in the Premier Soccer League.
Warning Over Possible Withdrawal of Support
However, Chivayo warned that if his philanthropy continues to be misrepresented, he would consider withdrawing his support to avoid distracting the club from its football ambitions.
“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,” he said.
Support Extends Beyond Highlanders
To further counter the takeover claims, Chivayo revealed that Highlanders is not the only club benefiting from his financial assistance.
He said he recently provided significant support to Scottland FC following the appointment of football legend Peter Ndlovu as team manager, arguing that it was unfair for speculation to focus solely on Bosso.
“In that light, it is very difficult to comprehend why speculative allegations would be selectively targeted at Highlanders, when the club has merely been one of several recipients of my philanthropy in sport,” he said.
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The post Wicknell Chivayo Rubbishes Highlanders FC Takeover Claims appeared first on iHarare News.
