Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has paid glowing tribute to the Highlanders leaders – Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza – and fan Mbalenhle Sibanda, for their commitment to uplifting 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 our died in a car crash on Thursday.
“We gather today with hearts that are heavy. 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 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.
“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 laid to rest today while Siziba and Nkani were laid to rest at Lady Stanley yesterday.
The body of Sibanda was taken to the family home in Filabusi where she will be laid to rest 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, 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 Government for according 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 service to community, and service to community is service to the nation,” said Magwizi.
