Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
HIGHLANDERS Football Club has moved swiftly to ensure there is no leadership vacuum following the tragic deaths of chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza by appointing an interim leadership team.
The appointments were made on Friday after an emergency meeting of the Highlanders board chaired by board chairman Luke Mnkandla.
Board member responsible for technical affairs, Kindman Ndlovu, has been appointed acting chairman, while board member Elkanah Dube will oversee administration. Board secretary Matthew Sibindi has been tasked with overseeing the club’s finances.
The three appointments fill the void left by Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza, who died in a road traffic accident on Thursday evening while returning from Kariba, where Highlanders had fulfilled a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture against ZPC Kariba.
The accident, which occurred about 58 kilometres outside Bulawayo along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road, also claimed the life of devoted Highlanders supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda, whom the club described as a loyal member of the Bosso family.
Announcing the appointments, Mnkandla said the board had acted promptly to ensure the smooth running of the club during one of the darkest moments in Highlanders’ 100-year history.
The interim appointments are intended to maintain stability and continuity in the club’s administration while the Highlanders family mourns the loss of three senior executives.
Ndlovu, Dube and Sibindi bring a wealth of corporate governance, financial management and institutional knowledge, having served the club in various board capacities over the years.
The club is expected to announce further arrangements regarding the substantive filling of the executive positions in line with its constitution after the mourning period.
derick.khumalo