derick.khumalo
Vusumuzi Dube
The City of Bulawayo has joined the nation in mourning the deaths of Highlanders Football Club chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Sifiso Siziba and executive committee member for finance Nkani Khoza, describing their passing as a loss not only to the club but to the city, the nation and the global football community.
In a condolence message, the city’s town clerk, Mr Christopher Dube said they had received news of the tragedy with shock following the road traffic accident along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway on Thursday.
“The tragic death of Highlanders Football Club Chairman Rtd Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice Chairman Sifiso Siziba and Executive Committee Member Finance Nkani Khoza is not just a loss to the oldest football club in the country but the entire Bulawayo community, the nation as well as the global football community,” the statement read.
The city said the tragedy had struck at a particularly significant time as Highlanders celebrates its centenary.
“This dark cloud has fallen on Highlanders Football Club at a critical moment as the team is celebrating 100 years since its establishment.”
The local authority said the three administrators had dedicated themselves to serving both the club and the community.
“With Highlanders Football Club being a community team, the trio presented themselves as servants of the community, stewarding this historic team even under turbulent times.
“Their commitment, leadership and service to Highlanders Football Club will be remembered with gratitude and respect, and their lives were snatched away while they were serving the team they dearly loved and served.”
The City of Bulawayo extended its condolences to the Highlanders family, the Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza families and the wider football fraternity.
“The City of Bulawayo mourns with the Highlanders family, the Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza families and the football community.
“May the bereaved families find comfort during this difficult period and may their souls rest in eternal peace.”
The City of Bulawayo joins a growing list of institutions, football clubs and organisations that have paid tribute to the three Highlanders executives, whose deaths have plunged Zimbabwean football into mourning.
Online Reporter