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Welldone Ndlovu, Online Reporter

POPULAR businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, has ridden to the rescue of Highlanders Football Club, offering to settle the debt that led to the club’s ban from FIFA.

The ban came as a result of unpaid funds owed to former coaches Baltemar Brito and Antonio Torres.

Brito is owed US$14,778, with the debt accruing an additional US$237.71 in interest as of October 17, 2024, while Torres is owed US$11,788 plus interest of $193.74 as of the same date.

These owed funds according to the chairman were accumulated from winning bonuses which are paid directly by the club while the salaries are paid by sponsors Sakunda Holdings.

Chivayo made the announcement on his X page, formerly Twitter, stating his intention to pay off the outstanding debt owed to former coach Baltemar Brito and his assistant coach Antonio Joao Torres. His message read: “Bosso ngenkani! iTeam yezwe lonke. Babethi ayibulawe, ayisoze ibulawe sikhona. I will gladly pay this outstanding debt directly to the former coach tomorrow without fail. Someone please inbox and share the banking details with exact amount due asap.”

Chivayo’s generosity and philanthropic efforts are well-documented, with a history of giving back to the community. His timely intervention has saved Highlanders from FIFA’s ban, which had prohibited the club from signing new players locally and internationally.

The news has sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the football community, with fans and supporters expressing their heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Chivayo’s kindness and generosity.