Highlanders’ Costly ‘No’ to Chivayo and Benjani

Highlanders FC’s rejection of sponsorship offers from Wicknell Chivayo and Benjani Mwaruwari has sparked debate over the club’s financial sustainability and future competitiveness in the Premier Soccer League (image source)

Highlanders Football Club’s decision to reject sponsorship proposals from businessman Wicknell Chivayo and former Warriors striker Benjani Mwaruwari has ignited a national debate over the financial future of one of Zimbabwe’s most historic football institutions. While the Bulawayo-based side, affectionately known as Bosso, has long upheld a tradition of independence and community ownership, critics argue that turning down lucrative backing has left the club increasingly vulnerable in a highly competitive Premier Soccer League environment.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Chivayo had offered substantial financial support, including player bonuses and possible infrastructure investment, while Benjani proposed a youth development partnership aimed at strengthening the club’s long-term talent pipeline. Highlanders’ leadership declined both approaches, citing concerns around governance, transparency, and the preservation of the club’s identity. The decision has sharply divided opinion among fans, administrators, and analysts.

Those critical of the move argue that modern football is driven by investment and that historic prestige alone is no longer enough to remain competitive. With rivals such as Dynamos and FC Platinum securing stronger financial backing, observers warn that Bosso risks falling further behind. Reports of delayed player salaries, travel challenges, and limited training resources are already fuelling concerns that the club’s financial pressures are intensifying.

Club officials, however, have defended the stance, insisting that sustainability must be rooted in accountability and community trust rather than short-term financial injections. They argue that poorly structured sponsorships can compromise institutional control and destabilise clubs in the long run. The debate around Highlanders mirrors wider challenges affecting Zimbabwean football, where clubs struggle to balance passion-driven support with the demands of professional commercial operations.

Supporters remain hopeful that alternative revenue streams such as merchandising, improved gate revenues, grassroots structures, and diaspora partnerships can provide funding without sacrificing the club’s independence. As the season unfolds, the true cost of saying “no” to Chivayo and Benjani will become clearer, with the decision now standing as a defining moment for the future direction of Zimbabwe’s most storied football club.