Benjani Mwaruwari misses key Bosso match for Chivayo’s burial

Highlanders FC coach Benjani Mwaruwari missed his team’s key match against Ngezi Platinum Stars to attend the burial of the club’s late benefactor Wicknell Chivayo, with the Bulawayo giants suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat in the penultimate moments of the match played at Baobab stadium.

Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash which also claimed his wife Lucy Mutekede, her aide Sanelisiwe Magagula and two pilots, Captains Calvin Tafirei Soda and Courage Mutavirwa last week, was laid to rest at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park on Thursday afternoon.

The football benefactor, who donated US$250,000 to Highlanders hours before his death, was buried at the same time the Bulawayo giants were playing against Ngezi Platinum Stars.

This was a key encounter which was brought forward to pave way for their blockbuster clash against Dynamos on Sunday at Barbourfields, which headlines the club’s centenary celebrations.

Interestingly, Mwaruwari, whose salary was being catered for by Chivayo, opted to skip the Matchday 30 tie against his former paymasters to pay his last respects to the late businessman.

HE IS A FRIEND I KNEW FOR A LONG TIME SAYS MWARUWARI

Speaking to journalists during the burial, the former Manchester City and Warriors marksman insisted it was the right decision despite his club’s commitments.

“I’m actually saddened by what happened. As you know, Wicknell was a friend. Not only because he was funding Highlanders but he is a friend I have known for a long time,” Mwaruwari told journalists.

“It’s always good and ethical to pay your last respects. We are actually playing today. It’s a difficult time for everyone and we are playing today so I thought of coming here to pay my last respects.

“He [Chivayo] did a lot and helped a lot of people. He was a generous guy and for me to be here, is worth it,” he added.

Meanwhile Farai Madhanhanga scored the goal Ngezi Platinum Stars needed to account for the win at home. That was his seventh goal of the season, as Madamburo moved to third position on the PSL table. 

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