Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo made a Ksh32.4 million donation to Highlanders Football Club on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, just hours before he died in a helicopter crash near Marondera.
Highlanders chairman Kidman Ndlovu said the donation was made at around 1pm, with Chivayo’s helicopter later going down at about 5pm.
Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four other people died in the crash, according to information provided by the family and authorities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Highlanders Football Club acknowledged the latest contribution, expressing gratitude to Chivayo for his continued support of the club.
“Highlanders Football Club warmly acknowledges and sincerely thanks Mr. Wicknell Chivayo for his latest donation of US$250,000, received by the Club recently,” the club said.
The donation came as Highlanders celebrated its historic centenary, with the club saying Chivayo’s support over the past two years had exceeded US$2 million.
The club said his financial support had helped it meet important obligations, including staff payments and infrastructure needs, while also supporting the acquisition of a team bus.
“His support over the past two years, now exceeding US$2 million, has made a meaningful difference to Highlanders FC at important moments,” the club said.
Highlanders said the latest contribution would allow the club to move quickly towards clearing outstanding obligations to its playing staff and provide stability as the team seeks to finish the season strongly.
The club also pledged to maintain responsible stewardship and transparent accounting of funds received from Chivayo and other partners and sponsors.
“As we enter the next chapter of our 100-year journey, the current Executive Committee is determined to build a stronger, more commercially sustainable Highlanders FC,” the statement added.
The club said its plans include strengthening its commercial and marketing structures, increasing revenue streams and unlocking the value of the Bosso brand and its large supporter base.
Chivayo had developed a close association with Highlanders over the past two years through his financial support of the club.
His latest contribution came on the same day that his life was cut short in the helicopter crash near Marondera.
Highlanders paid tribute to the businessman, describing him as a continued friend and supporter of the club.
“We sincerely appreciate Mr Chivayo’s continued friendship and commitment to Highlanders FC and hope to build an even stronger relationship as the Club begins its journey into its next 100 years,” the club said.
“Thank you, Mr Chivayo, for continuing to stand with Highlanders FC.”
The donation therefore became one of Chivayo’s final public acts before his death, linking his longstanding support for Highlanders with the final hours of his life.
