ZAPU leader Sibangilizwe Nkomo has called for Zimbabwean football to remain free from undue political and corporate influence, emphasizing that the sport should thrive as an independent force capable of uniting the nation. His remarks come amid renewed debate following an offer by businessman Wicknell Chivayo to fund the salary of Highlanders’ next head coach—conditional on the appointment of former Warriors striker Benjani Mwaruwari.
Chivayo, a prominent local entrepreneur, reportedly made the proposal after meeting Mwaruwari and former defender Harlington Shereni. According to reports, he formally communicated the offer to Highlanders leadership, pledging US$1 million in financial support for the club regardless of the coaching outcome. However, he stipulated that his direct sponsorship of the head coach’s salary would apply exclusively if Mwaruwari were selected for the top position.
Nkomo expressed concern that arrangements of this nature risk undermining the integrity of football in Zimbabwe. In a statement, he warned that funding tied to specific technical appointments or club decisions can distort competition and compromise the sport’s independence.
“Sport plays a critical role in bringing our nation together,” Nkomo said. “Despite our polarised political environment, we have seen Zimbabweans rise above their differences to unite under the big banner of sport. We cannot ignore reports of tenders and government contracts being manipulated, with the tainted proceeds of corruption being channelled to sports.”
While welcoming investment in football, Nkomo stressed that financial support must not come with conditions that allow external benefactors to dictate club decisions. He emphasized that sustainable revenue streams, rather than reliance on a single wealthy patron, are essential for the long-term growth of clubs and the league as a whole.
ZAPU Leader Urges Protection of Zimbabwean Football from Political and Corporate Interference
“The unregulated injection of hefty sums of money into cherry-picked football teams disturbs the natural flow of talent and organic growth,” Nkomo said. “We end up with elitist clubs that are moneyed, prevailing over teams with modest resources. This risks creating an uneven playing field and undermines the credibility of our competitions.”
Nkomo also urged the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to adopt stronger financial oversight measures, similar to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play system. Such regulations would help ensure that clubs operate within sustainable budgets and prevent the concentration of influence by powerful individuals, safeguarding the sport’s reputation and competitive balance.
The debate surrounding Chivayo’s offer has put a spotlight on Benjani Mwaruwari, one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated football exports. Mwaruwari, 46, enjoyed a successful playing career in the English Premier League, as well as stints in Europe and South Africa. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching, leading Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2022. He currently holds a UEFA A Licence and is working toward his UEFA Pro Licence, the qualification required to manage at the highest level locally.
Highlanders Football Club has yet to publicly respond to Chivayo’s conditional offer, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the club’s next steps. The situation has ignited wider conversations about governance, transparency, and the role of money in Zimbabwean football. Observers note that while financial investment is critical for the development of the game, it should not compromise merit-based decision-making or the autonomy of clubs.
The controversy also raises broader questions about the balance between private funding and fair competition. In Zimbabwe, as in many footballing nations, wealthy investors can wield significant influence over club operations. While such support can accelerate development and infrastructure improvements, conditional offers—like the one from Chivayo—risk prioritizing personal or political agendas over the interests of players, fans, and the sport itself.
By calling for regulatory reforms and a principled approach to investment, Nkomo aims to ensure that Zimbabwean football remains a unifying national institution rather than a tool for external influence. He reiterated that football has historically bridged social, cultural, and political divides, offering communities a shared platform to celebrate talent and foster national pride.
As Highlanders deliberate over their next head coach, the debate highlights the delicate interplay between finance, governance, and sporting integrity. With figures like Nkomo advocating for transparency and fair play, there is hope that Zimbabwean football can navigate the pressures of corporate and political involvement while preserving the spirit and competitiveness that have long defined the nation’s game.
Ultimately, the situation underscores the need for strong oversight, ethical investment, and merit-based decision-making—principles that will determine whether Zimbabwean football can flourish independently or risk being overshadowed by powerful external interests.
Source- Byo24
