BULAWAYO, Feb. 18 (NewsDay Live) – Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has rewarded Highlanders F.C. management and coach Benjani Mwaruwari with top-of-the-range vehicles valued at US$317 500 following their 1-0 victory over Dynamos F.C. in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Chivayo has also disbursed the remaining US$500 000 — part of the US$1 million he pledged last season — to the club.
Coach Mwaruwari has been gifted a brand-new 2026 Ford Everest 3.0D L.E (Limited Edition) valued at US$92 000, while club board chairman Luke Mnkandla will receive a Toyota Fortuner 2.8 4x2 GD6 worth US$80 500.
Chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla and Highlanders Legends chairman Madinda Ndlovu will each receive Toyota Fortuners valued at US$72 500.
Chivayo, who has declared his fervent love for Highlanders — inspired by his uncle, the late former Vice-President John Landa Nkomo — said the win over DeMbare signals good things ahead in the upcoming 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
“A motivated and well-led team will always deliver results. Highlanders FC’s 1–0 victory over DeMbare clearly shows that Bosso is on the rise. We are surely set for an exciting 2026 Premier Soccer League season in which Highlanders FC will offer stiff competition against all odds,” Chivayo said.
The club leaders are set to collect their vehicles on Friday, accompanied by club curator Jabulani Nkomo, who administers Highlanders funds from Chivayo.
“In recognition of this win, I say congratulations to the leadership of Highlanders FC. They should request the club’s curator, Jabulani Nkomo, to accompany them to Harare on Friday to see Victor at Exquisite Car Dealership and collect the fully paid motor vehicles,” Chivayo said.
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He added: “I specifically applaud your support and endorsement of the developmental leadership of H.E. President Cde E.D. Mnangagwa and Vision 2030, whose socio-economic transformation will ultimately benefit sport, particularly football.”
Each of the four beneficiaries will also receive US$10 000 for fuel and pocket money, while Jabulani Nkomo will receive US$20 000 for himself and his wife, Busi.
Chivayo said the US$500 000 disbursed to the club is earmarked for players’ signing-on fees and welfare.
“It is my sincere hope that, with such financial support, the club will be able to sign new players and adequately motivate the current squad by addressing their welfare and needs. The club must now focus on delivering results and ensure that the 2026 season is a resounding success. 2026 should be the year Bosso reclaims its rightful place in the PSL,” he said.
Chivayo recently gave Highlanders US$300 000 to cover Mwaruwari’s annual salary and donated a bus valued at US$185 000.
At the official unveiling of the bus, Jabulani Nkomo urged Highlanders to cap their centenary celebrations by winning the league title.
