Zimbabwe goalkeeper George Chigova’s heroics in the 2018 COSAFA Cup have paid off for him handsomely with a Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivhayo rewarding him with R100 000 yesterday.

Chigova has been the hero for the Warriors with his penalty saves ensuring the defending champions made it into Saturday’s final against perennial rivals Zambia at the new Peter Mokaba stadium.

The big Polokwane City goalkeeper who stands 1.95m tall first showed his pedigree on kicks from the penalty spot when he denied the Botswana takers on three successive occasions and inspiring his side to a 3-1 win.

Chigova was in fine form against in the semi-final clash against Lesotho which ended 0-0 in regulation time and had to be decided by penalties and he saved two of the four legal kicks against him on the night.

Those heroics have ensured hero’s status for Chigova and Chivhayo, a Harare businessman, who has previously helped the Zimbabwe Football Association with player bonuses transferred R100 000 into the goalkeepers bank account Friday.

Chigova in confirming the development thanked Chivhayo for his gesture.

He had also been handed another R3 000 cash incentive by a Polokwane-based Zimbabwean businessman Laston Murerwa for the three penalties he saved against Botswana.

“I just want to thank him for the reward may the Lord bless him and also he must continue supporting the Warriors we appreciate his help it means a lot.

“I am sure this will inspire us further to win retain our COSAFA title and I must say this just not for me but for their entire team and I will see what I can do for the other guys from this money,’’ Chigova said.

Chivhayo said he had decided to give the money as a token of appreciation of the goalkeeper’s exploits.

“It is good to have people out there who appreciate what we are doing on the field of play,’’ said Chigova.

The Warriors must now clear the Zambia hurdle to take their impressive COSAFA Cup record to six titles but Chigova insists it will not be easy against Chipolopolo.

“The final is going to be tricky because Zambia is a good side but as a team we are prepared for them and we know they will come out for revenge since we beat them last year.

“But we believe in ourselves and we have the quality to win it again and this has always been our mission here,’’ Chigova said.