By Staff Writer
Highlanders Football Club has expressed shock and sadness following the death of businessman and club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Chivayo (née Muteki), Senelisiwe Magagula, and pilots Captain Kelvin T. Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa in a helicopter crash in Marondera late Wednesday afternoon.
In a condolence message, club president, Dumisani Sandi, Highlanders said the deaths had shocked the club and its wider family.
The club said it was particularly difficult to come to terms with Chivayo’s death after communicating with him shortly before the tragedy to thank him for his support and friendship towards Highlanders.
“We learnt with profound shock and deep sadness of the sudden passing” of the five victims, the club said while extending its condolences to the victims’ families, friends, colleagues, associates and those who knew them.
Chivhayo had developed a close relationship with Highlanders over the past two years, with the club acknowledging his financial and other support during important moments in its recent journey.
The club said his generosity and connection with Highlanders will remain part of its history and will be remembered by the club’s supporters and wider family.
“Mr Chivhayo leaves behind a legacy of generosity and a significant connection with Highlanders Football Club,” Sandi said adding that its immediate thoughts were with the families and loved ones of all those who died in the crash.
“At this very difficult moment, our thoughts are first and foremost with the loved ones of all those who lost their lives,” Sandi said, offering prayers for strength, comfort and courage to the bereaved families.
