Football fraternity mourns Dlodlo

Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
A true gentleman of the beautiful game is gone!

The news of Highlanders chief executive officer, Sihlangu Dlodlo’s untimely death has left the football community devastated.

As the shocking news of his sad death finally sunk in, the local football fraternity began to mourn and memorialise the 60-year-old who was found dead at his home in Nketa 9, Bulawayo, on Monday evening.

Dlodlo’s colleagues became concerned when he had not been heard from after being last seen on Saturday, and upon discovery of his passing away on Monday, the football family has been in shock.

Highlanders chairman, Kenneth Mhlophe, revealed that he was in a state of shock after hearing about the sudden death of his CEO.

“Our organisation is mourning the loss of an exceptional leader, colleague and friend. As such, Highlanders extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and all those affected by this heart-wrenching news,” said Mhlophe.

Chicken Inn FC spokesperson, Nkululeko Nkala, said the entire Gamecocks are touched. “The late was a big man, he was our board member marketing at the club and we owe our success story to him. We are still waiting for a moment when he will say this was a joke because he was a big joke. From all of us at Chicken Inn, we are touched,” said Nkala.

Dynamos chief executive officer, Jonathan Mashingaidze, said Dlodlo’s demise is difficult to accept.

“It will take a long time for the football family to accept. Death is a cruel thief who leaves in his stealthily trail, unbearable pain and solitude. We pray that the Dlodlo family will draw solace from the fact that Mpangazitha was a larger-than-life character who always dedicated his all to leaving a mark in whatever he did. With Highlanders only 24 months away from historic centenary celebrations set for 2026, may we have a special place reserved for Sihlangu Dlodlo in the annals of the oldest club in Zimbabwe as we celebrate the 100th mark,” said Mashingaidze.

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) said it had learnt with deep sadness of the untimely passing away of the head of Bosso’s secretariat. “He was a dedicated leader who served the football community with passion, commitment and integrity. We will always cherish his immense contribution to Zimbabwean football and his unwavering love for his club,” said PSL.

In a statement, the Zifa Normalisation Committee said Dlodlo’s departure leaves a big gap in Zimbabwean football.

“It is with profound sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences on the sudden and unexpected passing of Mr Sihlangu Dlodlo. His departure leaves an irreplaceable void not only in Highlanders Football Club but also within the entire Zimbabwean football family.

“During this time of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with his family, friends, and the Highlanders community. We hope that the many cherished memories of Mr Dlodlo will bring comfort, and may his remarkable impact on the game serve as a beacon for future generations. Our deepest sympathies are with you all,” said the Zifa NC in a statement.

The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe also joined the Dlodlo family, Highlanders and the Zimbabwe football fraternity in mourning the tragic passing of Dlodlo.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn with the Highlanders family the passing away of Highlanders chief executive officer Sihlangu Dlodlo.”

Former Bulawayo deputy mayor and football administrator, Gift Banda, who enjoyed a good working relationship with Dlodlo, said the City of Kings and Queens has lost another brilliant individual.

Dlodlo’s elder brother, Nkosana Griffiths, said preparations for his younger brother’s burial were still in their infancy.

“His body (Sihlangu) was taken to the mortuary yesterday (Monday) and the post-mortem will be done tomorrow (today). We can’t do much in terms of preparing for his burial without first getting the results of the post-mortem, so for now there is nothing much that I can announce to the public. We ask the public to bear with us as we go through this difficult time,” said Nkosana.

He described Sihlangu as a man who loved his family and was always ready to assist.

“He was a man of honour who stood side by side with his family and was always ready to assist. He was a reliable man and the family counted on him to assist whenever he could. He loved peace and was always smiling,” said Nkosana.

Sihlangu replaced Ronald Moyo as Highlanders CEO in April. He is a former Bantu Rovers general manager.

Before his appointment at Highlanders, Sihlangu was the general manager of Kings and Queens Funeral Services, a position he held from November last year and he was also a former sales and marketing executive at the company.

He also worked at Innscor Africa as a sales marketing manager and was also a veteran arts administrator who enjoyed a good working relationship with late playwright Cont Mhlanga at Amakhosi Cultural Centre.