Scottland benefactor Wicknell Chivayo dies in helicopter crash

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has reportedly died after a helicopter crash in the Marondera area on Wednesday evening, bringing to a tragic end the life of one of the country’s most prominent  public figures.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that a helicopter carrying a high-profile businessman, four other passengers and two pilots crashed in the Marondera rural area at around 5pm, with no survivors.

Authorities said the police would formally release the names of the victims.

Several Zimbabwean publications have since identified Chivayo as the businessman who died in the crash, with reports also naming his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, among the victims.

He was known for his extravagant lifestyle, philanthropy and high-profile relationships. But his influence extended well beyond business and social media.

For Zimbabwean football, Chivayo’s name became particularly prominent in 2015 when he pledged US$1 million to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) at a time when the association was battling serious financial problems.

His intervention included assistance towards ZIFA’s debts and the national team’s operations. In 2016, he also paid outstanding salaries owed to then Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa and also supported the Mighty Warriors.

His relationship with football would continue, sometimes spectacularly.

Chivayo and Scottland FC President Scott Sakupwanya

Chivayo later became one of the most significant private financiers of Zimbabwean club football, putting substantial money into clubs including Highlanders and defending league champions Scottland.

In June 2025, he pledged a US$1 million package to Bosso, with an immediate US$250,000 injection and further funding intended to assist with administration, player recruitment and sign-on fees. He said his support for Bosso was partly in honour of his late uncle, former Vice-President John Landa Nkomo.

His involvement with Scottland was equally striking. The businessman became associated with the club’s rapid rise and its aggressive investment in its playing squad, reinforcing his reputation as one of the biggest financial forces in Zimbabwean football.