Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has described the death of three senior executive members of Highlanders Football Club in a horrific road accident on Thursday night as “a loss not only to Highlanders, but to the entire nation”.
The three officials — chairperson Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlope, vice chairperson Mr Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Mr Nkani Khoza — died when their vehicle was involved in a crash along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.
A fourth victim, identified as a staunch club supporter, Ms Mbalenhle Sibanda, also died in the accident. President Mnangagwa has since directed that the deceased be accorded State-assisted funerals. In his condolence message released through Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, the President expressed profound sorrow at the tragedy.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I learned of the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three distinguished executive members of Highlanders Football Club — Colonel (Retd) Kenneth Mhlope, the chairman; Mr Sifiso Siziba, the vice chairman; and Mr Nkani Khoza, the treasurer,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Highlanders Football Club is more than a team. It is an institution, a symbol of our heritage, unity and national pride. These departed sons of the soil dedicated their lives to the development of football in Zimbabwe, serving Bosso and the nation with dedication, humility and love for the game.”
To lose “three custodians of such a revered national institution in one tragic moment”, President Mnangagwa said, “is a loss, not only to Highlanders, but to the entire nation”.
“On behalf of Government, ZANU PF and the people of Zimbabwe, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Highlanders Football Club family, to the bereaved families, friends and to the entire football fraternity,” added President Mnangagwa.
“I have directed that the deceased be accorded State-assisted funerals. We pray that the Almighty grants the departed souls eternal peace and their families Death of Highlanders FC executives a loss to the nation — President strength and comfort during this period of grief. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
According to reports, the executives were returning from a Highlanders Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) away fixture against ZPC Kariba in Kariba when their Ford Raptor struck a cow approximately 60 kilometres outside Bulawayo.
The vehicle then reportedly swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with a bus near Lochard in Insiza district.
All the four occupants died at the scene.
The tragedy has plunged Zimbabwean football into mourning, coming at a particularly poignant time as Highlanders mark their centenary year.
The PSL has postponed this afternoon’s scheduled Bulawayo derby between Highlanders and Chicken Inn, and instructed all top-flight clubs to observe a minute of silence and wear black armbands across all Matchday 25 fixtures this weekend as a sign of respect.
Tributes have poured in from across the football fraternity, with traditional rivals, including Dynamos, expressing solidarity with the Bosso family.
Highlanders described their fallen leaders as “the architects of the club’s vision, the guardians of our values and father figures of so many”.
Colonel Mhlope, a retired Zimbabwe National Army officer, was serving his second term as chairperson, while vice chairperson Siziba was a superintendent in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, with treasurer Khoza being a prominent businessman.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the respective families in conjunction with the Government and Highlanders Football Club.
