Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has revealed why The Warriors are yet to receive the US$250,000 he promised them despite their disappointing 2025 AFCON campaign.
Initially, Chivayo had pledged to gift the team USD 2 million if they won the tournament, but that didn’t happen as they crashed out in the group phase.
Instead, he promised USD 250,000 as a reward for their spirited effort. However, over a month after the team returned from Morocco, the players are still waiting for their payment.
Chivayo has explained that he has holding back the funds due to allegations of match-fixing in their last game against South Africa on 29 December. He has asked ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi to hold the money until FIFA investigates and clears the team.
“Furthermore, following the Warriors’ early AFCON exit, I had pledged to give them US$250,000 in cash to uplift their morale. However, upon learning of a petition submitted to FIFA alleging match fixing in the final game against South Africa, I felt it prudent to temporarily withhold disbursement pending the results of the formal enquiry.
“As someone who respects the integrity of sport and the authority of FIFA, I now kindly request that this US$250,000 be instead placed under your custody Mr. President, for safekeeping and to be held in trust.
“You can only disburse the funds to them only once FIFA or any relevant authority has issued a definitive ruling on the allegations. Regardless of the outcome, the funds shall remain earmarked exclusively for football development purposes,” Chivhayo posted on his Facebook page.
Interestingly, on Monday 2 February, Chivayo gifted Magwizi a brand-new USD 250,000 vehicle, praising him for steering the association towards good governance.
