Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE fatal road crash that claimed three senior Highlanders executives has been described as a devastating blow to both the club and Zimbabwean football, coming in the year that Bosso mark 100 years.
Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, yesterday joined the football fraternity in mourning chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza.
A supporter, Mbalenhle Sibanda, also died when their vehicle hit a cow before a head-on collision with a bus on the Harare-Bulawayo Road.
The quartet was returning from a mid-week match against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga, which Bosso lost 1-0.
Government, ZIFA lead in tributes
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo said Government will stand with Bosso during the difficult moment.
Moyo said: “This is an immeasurable loss not only to Highlanders Football Club, but also to Zimbabwean football as a whole. The three leaders dedicated their lives to the growth and development of one of the country’s most historic and celebrated football institutions.
“Their unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership and selfless service have left an indelible mark on the sport. This tragedy makes it even more heart-breaking as Highlanders Football Club commemorates its centenary year, a significant milestone that is meant to celebrate one hundred years of excellence, resilience and national pride. Instead, the football family has been plunged into mourning.
“As Government, we recognise the invaluable role that sports administrators play in developing athletes, strengthening institutions and inspiring communities. The contributions of Mr Mhlophe, Mr Siziba and Mr Khoza will be remembered for generations to come. During this difficult period, the Ministry stands in solidarity with Highlanders Football Club, ZIFA and the entire football fraternity.”
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi, who travelled to Bulwayo yesterday to console the victims families and the Highlanders family said the country had lost dedicated servants of the game.
“Today, Zimbabwean football has lost three devoted servants whose passion and commitment helped shape one of our nation’s greatest football institutions. We are devastated by this heart-breaking tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Kenneth Mhlophe, Fiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza, as well as the entire Highlanders family.
“It is especially painful that this loss comes during Highlanders’ centenary year, a time that should have been filled with celebration and reflection on a remarkable legacy. Instead, the football family is united in mourning. We pray that God grants comfort, strength and peace to every grieving heart.”
Football fraternity reacts
Farai Jere (CAPS Utd president and Parliamentary Sports Portfolio Committee chairperson)
“I have worked with Mhlophe at PSL and he was an astute and straightforward character, someone who stood for progress. Together with Siziba and Khoza, they have been working hard to bring stability at Highlanders. It’s not easy leading such a big institution. Our football will never be the same without leaders of this calibre.”
The Premier Soccer League Board of Governors
“The League has lost dedicated football administrators whose leadership, commitment and service made a significant contribution to the development of the game. Their passion for football and dedication to the growth of both Highlanders FC and Zimbabwean football will be greatly missed. Rtd. Colonel Mhlophe served the League with distinction as vice-chairman and showed an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the domestic game.”
Highlanders: “They were far more than club officials. They were the architects of the club’s vision, the guardians of our values, and father figures to so many within the Highlanders Football Club family. Their leadership, wisdom, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Bosso will never be forgotten.”
Dynamos: “Though rivals on the pitch, we are united as one football family. We stand in solidarity with all Highlanders supporters, the bereaved families, the people of Bulawayo and the whole football fraternity in Zimbabwe during this painful time.”
Chicken Inn: “We join the Highlanders Family at the entire Football Fraternity in mourning our heroes who have served the club, the community of Bulawayo, the country and the football fraternity with distinction and honour. Sithi dudu kumuli lakubalandeli bebhola.”
Northern Region Soccer League: “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Northern Region Soccer League Executive Committee and all member clubs learned of the tragic passing of Highlanders FC Club Chairman Rtd Colonel Kenneth Mhlope, Vice Chairman Sifiso Siziba, and Club Treasurer Nkani Khoza,’’ wrote NRSL chairman Sweeney Mushonga.
“The three leaders lost their lives in a tragic road accident. They were pillars of leadership and passion for football, and their loss is a loss to the entire football fraternity. Col Rtd Colonel Mhlope, Sifiso Siziba, and Nkani Khoza were dedicated servants of football.
“Their commitment, leadership, and love for the game and for Highlanders FC will be deeply missed by the entire football fraternity. On behalf of the League and my own behalf, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Highlanders FC family, the players, technical team, supporters, and to the bereaved families.
“We pray for God’s comfort and strength during this extremely difficult time.”
The League will observe a minute of silence and teams will wear black armbands for all our match-day 22 matches in their honour.
Zimbabwe Soccer Supporters Association: “We are saddened by the untimely passing of Highlanders Football Club chairman, colonel Ken Mhlophe, vice chairman, Fiso Siziba and treasurer, Nkani Khoza, who lost their lives in a tragic road traffic accident.
“During this time of immense grief, our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, the Highlanders Football Club community and everyone whose lives were touched by their leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to the game of football.”
