BOSSO DEATHS. . . Club loses three pillars

Zimpapers Sports Hub

HIGHLANDERS have lost the three men at the centre of their elected leadership following the deaths of chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza.

Their loss goes beyond the offices they occupied.

Mhlophe brought authority, business experience and a long family connection to the club. Siziba carried football knowledge and a deep understanding of Highlanders, while Khoza had taken on the difficult task of improving the club’s financial management.

Together, they represented the experience, football memory and financial oversight Bosso needed as the club tried to steady itself on and off the field.

Kenneth Mhlophe

Mhlophe died at the age of 70 while serving his second spell as Highlanders chairman.

He first led the club from 2017 to 2020 before returning at the beginning of 2024 after defeating Johnfat Sibanda in the elections.

A retired army officer, Mhlophe spent the last 25 years building a successful career in the private security sector through Nokel Security. He also had interests in farming and education, having founded and built a private college in the Bulawayo central business district.

A proud family man, Mhlophe began his football journey in the Zimbabwe National Army, where he helped military units form organised and competitive teams.

After leaving the army, Mhlophe established Nokel Security and became increasingly involved with Highlanders, the club his family had supported for generations.

He was a nephew of Bosso legend Mackenzie “Duly” Sibanda, who played for Highlanders in the 1950s and is credited with helping the club survive the Cobras split of 1963.

Sibanda was also involved in establishing the junior development programme that produced players for Highlanders during the 1960s and 1970s.

Long before seeking office, Mhlophe had built a reputation as a dependable supporter who assisted Highlanders during difficult periods. He also sponsored the Zifa Southern Region awards.

He first contested the Highlanders vice-chairmanship in 2015 but lost. Encouraged by club members, he later stood for chairman and won.

His bid for another term ended in defeat to Sibanda, but he returned in 2024 to reclaim the chairmanship.

Mhlophe was leading Highlanders through another demanding period. Results had begun to improve on the field, but the executive still faced serious financial and administrative challenges.

Fiso Siziba

Siziba, who died at the age of 55, brought extensive football experience to the Highlanders executive.

A former Sobukhazi High School player, he showed his leadership qualities early and served as one of the school’s prefects.

He was part of a group of Bulawayo footballers who later joined Black Mambas. An injury ended his playing career and opened the way for him to pursue coaching.

Siziba worked in Harare and the Midlands during his career with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and was stationed at Nkulumane Police Station at the time of his death.

His involvement in football continued throughout his service.

He managed Black Mambas, the police flagship team, and also contributed to the administration of the Northern Region Soccer League during the time of the late Willard Manyengavana.

A devoted Highlanders supporter, Siziba played an important role whenever the team travelled to Harare and the Midlands.

On one occasion, after crowd trouble at Rufaro Stadium, he accompanied the Highlanders team bus with a motorcade as far as Norton.

At Highlanders, he carried part of the club’s institutional memory and was passionate about rebuilding the junior development system.

Having grown up during a period when Highlanders regularly produced players from within, Siziba wanted the club to return to developing its own talent.

He loved football. If he was not involved with police football, he was with his beloved Tshilamoya.

Nkani Khoza

Khoza, who died at the age of 66, became Highlanders’ treasurer and executive member responsible for finance in February 2025.

A farmer, accountant and businessman, he also had several business interests and was active in his home district of Insiza.

Khoza had spent much of his adult life away from active involvement in Highlanders before being persuaded to contest the club elections.

He stood against Israel Moyo, a candidate he had initially supported for the position.

Once elected, Khoza began pushing for tighter financial management and questioned some of the long-established ways in which the club handled its affairs.

His approach did not always please everyone, but he remained determined to improve accountability and bring greater order to Highlanders’ finances.

By the time of his death, Khoza had gained a deeper understanding of the club’s culture and administration. He had also identified practices he believed needed to change.

That work was still unfinished.

Highlanders must now mourn three men while confronting the loss of the core of their elected leadership.

The positions they held will eventually be filled.

The places Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza occupied in their families, workplaces and football circles will not be so easily replaced.