CONTROVERSIAL businessman Wicknell Chivayo yesterday gifted veteran football coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa a brand-new vehicle and a substantial cash windfall.
The gesture, announced via Chivayo’s social media platforms, comes barely a month after the legendary coach publicly declared his support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chivayo, known for his close ties to the First Family, has made headlines recently for dishing out luxury cars to musicians, sports personalities and creatives.
Chidzambwa joins an elite list of recipients that includes fellow football icon Peter Ndlovu.
The timing of the gift is notable.
Chidzambwa, now 73, recently confirmed his membership in the Former Footballers and Coaches4ED, a Zanu PF-aligned group backing the “ED 2030” campaign.
Chivayo explicitly cited this political alignment, alongside Chidzambwa’s sporting pedigree, as the reason for the US$92 000 package.
In his social media announcement, Chivayo praised the coach’s discipline and his recent political stance:
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“Today, I wish to celebrate none other than the football legend, Sunday Marimo “Mhofu” Chidzambwa, my homeboy from Chivhu. What separated him from the rest was his obsession with discipline.
“His famous line, ‘no stars, just structure’ remains etched in the minds of every player who passed through his hands. He never allowed ego to eclipse teamwork. It is this firm yet humble leadership that has made him a legend in football, which deserves proper recognition,” Chivayo wrote.
“Just recently, I was most delighted by his open support for President Mnangagwa, as he praised His Excellency’s exceptional support to local football.
“Even in his twilight years, Mhofu is an avid and active member of the Coaches 4ED, which shows beyond doubt how much a patriot and nationalist he is, even away from the field of play.
“For that patriotic loyalty and a lifetime of football excellence, it is my highest honour to now extend my humble gesture of appreciation. Please go and see Victor at Exquisite Car Dealership and collect your brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD6 4x2, US$72 000 has been paid in full and your car is ready for collection. You will also receive a small US$20 000 cash for lunch and fuel. Congratulations Mhofu. Zimbabwe celebrates you.”
While the gift has sparked debate regarding political patronage, few can argue with Chidzambwa’s status as Zimbabwe’s most successful coach.
His resume is unmatched in local history:
The Afcon pioneer guided the Warriors to their maiden continental tournament appearance in 2004 and again in 2019 while he won four of Zimbabwe’s six Cosafa Cup trophies.
At club level, Chidzambwa led Dynamos to multiple league titles and the 1998 CAF Champions League final.
As Chidzambwa heads to Exquisite Car Dealership to collect his 2026 Toyota Fortuner, the “Chivayo effect” continues to be a polarising yet undeniable force in Zimbabwe’s public sphere.
