Businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo has announced a USD10 million sponsorship for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), contingent on Nqobile Magwizi winning today’s presidential elections.
In addition to this significant pledge, Chivayo has promised Magwizi a brand new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, valued at USD200,000, to honor his new position if elected.
Chivayo took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the gravity of the moment, declaring,
“A DEFINING MOMENT FOR ZIMBABWEAN FOOTBALL… Tomorrow, Zimbabwe’s football fraternity will stand on the brink of a MOMENTOUS OCCASION—the election of a new ZIFA President and Board. This pivotal event symbolizes a CRITICAL JUNCTURE in our beloved sport’s journey. Football has UNIFIED ZIMBABWEANS from diverse backgrounds, stirring passion and pride across our nation.
“The time has arrived for ZIFA to be transformed into a DYNAMIC ORGANIZATION focused on DEVELOPING FOOTBALL and driving its COMMERCIAL GROWTH. The association urgently needs a leader who grasps GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, and the BUSINESS OF FOOTBALL. Visionary leadership, integrity, and professionalism are essential to restore the GLORY OF ZIMBABWEAN FOOTBALL.”
In making his case for Magwizi, Chivayo noted, “After carefully reviewing the candidates, one name stands out: NQOBILE MAGWIZI. He is a RESPECTED businessman with extensive experience in finance, marketing, and sports administration. His impressive track record includes securing MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR sponsorships for notable clubs like Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC, showcasing his competence and PASSION for the sport. We need this caliber of leadership to TRANSCEND past failures and TRANSFORM ZIFA into a world-class institution that rejuvenates our football legacy.”
Should Magwizi secure his position, Chivayo envisions immediate steps to motivate not only the new ZIFA President but also the newly elected Board members and Councillors across the country, stating that they will each receive brand new vehicles, the specifics of which would be revealed later.
Moreover, he pledged that his corporate social responsibility initiatives would allocate USD10 million to support ZIFA and rejuvenate football administration in Zimbabwe. These funds will be strategically targeted at GRASSROOTS development, operational excellence, and the sport’s commercialization. Chivayo indicated that further details would emerge following Magwizi’s victory and the inauguration of the new Board.
Reflecting on his past contributions, Chivayo recounted, “In 2015, I donated US$1 million to ZIFA under the leadership of my brother PHILIP CHIYANGWA. Today, I am prepared to contribute TEN TIMES that amount!”
He concluded with heartfelt wishes for Magwizi: “I have no doubt that NQOBILE MAGWIZI embodies all the qualities needed for a ZIFA President—INTEGRITY, EXPERIENCE, and an UNRELENTING DRIVE for excellence. As we await this defining moment, I wish all candidates the best, and MAY THE BEST MAN WIN!”