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The former Zimbabwe captain has received a backlash after he was gifted the pricey present from the controversial businessman who has previously been named in corruption scandals.
Zimbabwean football legend Peter Ndlovu is facing backlash in the country after he received a new car worth R2.6 million (Ksh19 million) as a present from a controversial businessman.
Ndlovu was gifted a new 2024 BMW X6, valued at R2.6 million (Ksh19 million), by businessman Wicknell Chivayo for what was termed as his immense contribution to Zimbabwean football.
Chivayo revealed his generous gesture through an Instagram post on Monday while paying glowing tribute to the legendary footballer, who played in England and South Africa during his club career.
“Growing up, he was my soccer HERO and I aspired to play like him. However, my BILLIONAIRE BODY had other plans for me. While I may not have graced the soccer pitch to PLAY, I am FORTUNATE to have the means to appreciate those who have excelled in PLAYING the beautiful game of FOOTBALL,” Chivayo wrote on Instagram.
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“THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME…Zimbabwe’s football history is INCOMPLETE without mentioning one player who pushed boundaries and showed the world that when talent meets hard work, MAGIC happens.
“A quick 2.6 million rand /144 thousand USD well spent wholeheartedly on this LEGEND… This is a SMALL token of my appreciation for your OUTSTANDING contribution to the game of football and for INSPIRING generations of Zimbabwean soccer fans.”
However, that gesture has not been received well by Zimbabweans as Chivayo is one of the people named in corruption scandals that have brought the country’s economy to its knees.
The 42-year-old was in 2017 probed over questionable power contracts worth USD$200 million (Ksh26 billion), as well as other power deals that had accumulated value in excess of USD$600 million (ksh78 billion) of which none were ever delivered.
In December that year, he was arrested over $5 million (Ksh646 million) power contract and in March 2018, he bought shoes worth R20,000 (Ksh144,951) while jokingly comparing himself to Adolf Hitler.
Zimbabweans on social media urged Ndlovu not to accept the gift, claiming its purchase may have come from proceeds of crime.
“If Peter Ndlovu goes to collect that R2.6m car from Vogue in Sandton, it simply means laye akala ndaba abt the suffering masses who can't access healthcare in Zim because of looting,” said one user.
“I have nothing but love and respect for Peter Ndlovu, but, however, he can afford his own cars as a former athlete. Why does he need to be gifted with a luxury car when the hospitals are death traps and stadiums are abandoned structures? Does he also support this mediocrity?” posed another one.
However, Ndlovu turned up and received the car on Monday, adding intrigue to the story.
Born in Bulawayo, Ndlovu started his career at Highlands in Zimbabwe in 1988, before moving to English club Coventry in 1991, becoming the first African player to sign for an English Premier League side.
He moved on to Birmingham City in 1997 after which he joined Sheffield United in 2001 in between a one-season loan stint at Huddersfield Town from 2000-2001.
After his stint in England, Ndlovu signed for South African side Mamelodi Sundowns in 2004, making 81 league appearances and scoring 20 goals, ending his stay with the Brazilians in 2008.
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He won 81 caps for Zimbabwe, scoring 37 goals, and was the first captain to lead them to the Africa Cup of Nations when they qualified for the 2004 tournament in Tunisia.
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