from MELUSI MHLANGA in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Bureau
BULAWAYO, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE businessman Wicknell Chivayo has ignited a fierce national debate after publicly celebrating Highlanders Football Club’s appointment of Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach for the 2026 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
While Chivayo framed his intervention as patriotic support, critics argue it represents dangerous interference in football governance.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Chivayo expressed delight at what he described as Highlanders’ decision to engage Mwaruwari.
“The expertise and pedigree of Mkoma Benji speaks for itself,” he wrote, citing the former striker’s regional exposure in South Africa and experience in European leagues.
Chivayo added that it was “high time we relied on our own football experts,” congratulating the club, its technical management and Mwaruwari on what he called a “well-deserved appointment.”
Chivayo further announced a $300,000 donation to Highlanders, intended to cover player signings, the new coach’s salary, settlement of outstanding arrears and squad strengthening.
He also pledged to purchase a car of the coach’s choice and deliver a new 75-seater luxury team bus, fitted with executive amenities, for away matches from Barbourfields Stadium.
According to Chivayo, the support was meant to boost morale across management, technical staff and players.
However, the announcement triggered intense backlash from football supporters, analysts and public figures. Critics argue the issue is not generosity, but control.
Chivayo is known to financially support another club competing in the same league, raising fears of conflict of interest and compromised sporting integrity.
Former Member of Parliament Fadzayi Mahere sharply questioned the arrangement.
“Are you (Highlanders executives) thankful that you can’t even choose your own coach anymore?” she asked.
“Who controls ‘your’ coach when said coach was selected by someone else who is also affiliated to a rival club? Does he have a contract with the club or his paymaster? What could possibly go wrong?” Mahere concluded by calling for “new leaders.”
Football commentator Langa Sibbs echoed similar concerns, accusing Chivayo of using financial leverage to impose authority.
“You’ve imposed Benji onto Bosso by dangling an obvious dollar carrot to our greedy executive (Highlanders),” he said, warning that such power dynamics undermine club independence.
Civil society group One Grainful Trust went further, stating: “Capturing everything and spreading cancer everywhere. They will kill traditional football very soon.”
Beyond Highlanders, the controversy highlights a broader danger in African football: sponsor-imposed coaches.
When a financier dictates technical appointments—especially while backing a rival club—it erodes trust, distorts competition and risks match manipulation, divided loyalties and dressing-room instability.
Coaches may feel accountable to benefactors rather than clubs, while players and fans lose faith in fair play.
Football thrives on autonomy, transparency and competitive balance.
When money overrides governance, clubs risk becoming extensions of private interests rather than community institutions.
Highlanders’ situation is a warning that financial support, without clear boundaries, can cost far more than it gives.
– CAJ News