ZAPU president Sibangilizwe Nkomo has warned against using “dirty” money to take over football clubs, saying sport should stay a unifying force and be kept free from shady dealings.
In a statement, Nkomo said his party welcomed investment and donations in football, given how popular the sport is, but stressed they were against any funding that came with strings attached. He said:
“Sport plays a critical role in bringing our nation together. Despite our polarised political environment, we have seen Zimbabweans rising above their differences to unite under the big banner of sport, particularly football.
“We cannot ignore reports of tenders and government contracts being manipulated, with the tainted proceeds of corruption being channelled to sports.”
Nkomo also said football clubs should focus on building sustainable revenue streams and living within their means.
He added that strict financial rules, like UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, should be put in place and enforced by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). Said Nkomo:
“The unregulated injection of hefty sums of money into cherry-picked football teams by the likes of [Wicknell] Chivayo disturbs the natural flow of talent and organic growth of local football clubs.
“We end up having elitist clubs that are moneyed, prevailing over ordinary teams with modest financial resources.”
Nkomo’s comments come after Wicknell Chivayo claimed he’s willing to cover the salary of the Highlanders coach—but only if the club appoints Warriors legend Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach.
Chivayo made the offer after meeting Mwaruwari and former Warriors defender Harlington Shereni. He said he had formally submitted a proposal to Highlanders’ leadership, offering to fund Mwaruwari’s salary if the club considered him for the role.
He added that the offer wouldn’t apply if Highlanders went with someone else, though his US$1 million financial support to the club would remain in place.
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