Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has paid glowing tribute to the departed Highlanders executive committee trio of Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba, Nkani Khoza, and supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda for their commitment to up-lifting football in the country.
Magwizi led the football family at a funeral service for the Bosso leadership of chairman Mhlope, his deputy Siziba, and treasurer Khoza, along with club member Mbalenhle Sibanda, at Barbourfields yesterday. The ZIFA boss told mourners that the deceased administrators’ dedication to football went beyond their club, High-landers, and extended to the national game, including the Warriors and the Premier Soccer League.
“We gather today with heavy hearts. Barbourfields Stadium has always been a place of passion, pride and celebration.
“It is the spiritual home of Highlanders Football Club, a place where memories have been created, where generations have united behind one badge, and where football has brought joy to countless Zimbabweans.
“Today, however, this great stadium carries a different emotion. It carries the weight of profound loss,” said Magwizi.
He hailed Mhlophe, a retired Colonel and the serving PSL vice-chairman at the time of his death, for his discipline and dedication to duty.
“We remember four lives that served this game with distinction. Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe was a man of discipline, honour, and unwavering commitment.
“He gave selflessly to Highlanders Football Club and also served Zimbabwe as Head of Delegation for the Warriors.
“Many of our national team’s successes were made possible by dedicated individuals who worked quietly behind the scenes, and Colonel Mhlophe was one of them. Zimbabwean football salutes his remarkable contribution.”
Magwizi said Siziba, a senior police officer by profession, had played key roles for Zimbabwean football as a security expert.
“He was not only Highlanders vice chairman, but served as Security Officer for the Warriors, fulfilling a responsibility that required dedication, professionalism, and complete trust.
“His work was rarely seen by the public, but those who travelled with our national team knew the important role he played. Zimbabwean football is grateful for his faithful service,” Magwizi said.
“Today, we also honour Nkani Khoza, Highlanders Football Club’s Executive Member responsible for Finance. His work demanded integrity, accountability, and sound leadership. “He understood that behind every successful football institution are individuals willing to work tirelessly, often without recognition, to ensure that the club continues to grow. He gave his knowledge, his experience, and his time to the institution he loved.”
Mhlophe will be interred today, while Siziba and Nkani were buried at Lady Stanley, soon after the funeral procession at Barbourfields yesterday.
The body of Bosso supporter Sibanda was taken to the family home in Filabusi, where it will be interred today.
“We also celebrate the life of Mbalenhle Sibanda. She held no executive office. She carried no official title. Yet she was every bit as important to Zimbabwean football. She was not only a devoted Highlanders life member, but she was also a passionate supporter of the Warriors.
“Supporters are the heartbeat of our game. Without them, there is no atmosphere. Without them, there is no inspiration.
“Mbalenhle represented the thousands of Zimbabweans whose love for football asks for nothing in return except the opportunity to support their club and their country. Today, we honour her loyalty, her passion, and her unwavering love for the beautiful game,” said Magwizi. Magwizi also paid tribute to the Government for providing state-assisted funerals for the quartet.
“Allow me to express our heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and to the Government of Zimbabwe for the compassion and support shown during this difficult time.
“The decision to accord Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Nkani Khoza, Sifiso Siziba, and Mbalenhle Sibanda State-Assisted Funerals is a fitting recognition of lives devoted to service.
“It is a reminder that service to football is community service, and community service is service to the nation,” said Magwizi.
The death of the four in a road traffic accident last Thursday has brought together the football community into mourning and celebrating their legacies. Magwizi said football has extraordinary power to bring people together, both in happy and sad times.
“Football has an extraordinary power. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite. And, as we have witnessed over the past few days, it has the power to comfort.
“This tragedy has reminded us that while clubs may compete fiercely on the field, there are moments when the badge on the jersey no longer matters.
“Over the past few days, we have witnessed supporters from clubs around the country putting rivalries aside. We have seen football administrators, former players, current players, sponsors, Government officials, and ordinary Zimbabweans united by one purpose — to stand with Highlanders in its darkest hour. That is the true spirit of football. That is the Zimbabwe we all believe in.
“As we prepare to lay these four remarkable individuals to rest, let us honour them not only with our tears but with our actions.
“Let us continue to build a football family rooted in unity, respect, integrity, and compassion. Let us continue to look after one another. Let us never lose sight of the truth that football is, above all else, about people.
“If this tragedy has taught us anything, it is that life is precious, unity is powerful, and service leaves a legacy that lives far beyond our time on earth,” Magwizi said.
