Warriors Get US$250 000 Windfall From Wicknell Chivayo After AFCON Heartbreak

Wicknell Chivayo Gifts Warriors US$250,000 After AFCON Heartbreak

In an astonishing display of gratitude, businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gifted the Zimbabwe Warriors a US$250,000 (approx. R4.5 million) cash reward. This massive windfall comes despite the team’s heartbreaking elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament after a 3-2 defeat to South Africa on December 29. Chivayo announced the surprise bonus directly to the players at Chishawasha Hills on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

A Controversial Consolation Prize

The generous payout follows Chivayo’s earlier pledge to give the squad US$2 million if they won the AFCON title. While that ultimate dream faded, the flamboyant businessman stated he chose to recognise the team’s fighting spirit. Taking to social media, Chivayo elaborated on his decision, writing:

“For many Zimbabweans, it may be a DISAPPOINTING END for the Warriors at the AFCON. However, I personally take pride in the FIGHTING SPIRIT they showed from the beginning right until the FINAL whistle… Where others see a loss, I see BRAVERY and EFFORT, which I believe must be given appropriate RECOGNITION… Today I say a big CONGRATULATIONS to the WARRIORS for your effort and courage. You lifted the FLAG 🇿🇼 of our great Nation and for that, I am proud to give you a small token of US$250,000.”

The post, which included the phrases “Vakuru vakati YATSIKA YANWA”  and “Sometimes you WIN, sometimes you LEARN”, was met with a mix of praise and bewilderment from fans online.

Captain’s Apology Overshadowed By Celebration

This celebratory gesture stands in stark contrast to the sombre mood in the Warriors’ camp just days earlier. Team captain Marvelous Nakamba had publicly shouldered the blame for the costly handball that led to South Africa’s winning penalty in the final ten minutes of the decisive match. Speaking after the game on December 29, Nakamba offered a heartfelt apology.

“I just want to say sorry. I have to man up and accept the mistake that I made and say I am sorry to the country, to my teammates and to everyone in Zimbabwe.”

Nakamba’s error was the second major defensive mistake that sealed Zimbabwe’s fate. Earlier in the same match, a miscommunication between defender Divine Lunga and goalkeeper Washington Arubi gifted South Africa their second goal.

A Bitter-Sweet End To The Campaign

The Warriors’ campaign in Morocco was a rollercoaster of brilliant attack and fatal defence. The team showed immense promise, notably through youngster Tawanda Maswanhise, whose stunning 19th-minute solo goal against South Africa was later voted the Confederation of African Football’s ‘Move of the Day’.

Yet, as detailed in match analyses, these moments of individual brilliance were ultimately undone by critical lapses. While the players returned home without advancing in the tournament, they did so with a significant financial consolation from one of the country’s most flamboyant benefactors.

• How Defensive Errors Cost Zimbabwe Their AFCON Dream Against South Africa 

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