Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has joined the nation in mourning the deaths of Highlanders Football Club chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairperson Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza, describing them as cherished sports leaders whose contribution to Zimbabwean football will be remembered for generations.
The three Highlanders executives died in a road traffic accident along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road on Thursday while returning from the club’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture against ZPC Kariba.
In a condolence message, SRC director-general Mr Allen T. Mavunga expressed the commission’s deepest sympathies to the Highlanders family and the wider football fraternity, saying the loss had been felt across the country’s sporting community.
“On behalf of the Sports and Recreation Commission, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Highlanders Football Club family and the football fraternity on the tragic loss of your club Chairman Col (Rtd) Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice Chairperson Mr Sifiso Siziba and Treasurer Mr Nkani Khoza, and their colleague in a vehicle accident along the Gweru-Bulawayo Road on Thursday 23 July 2026,” said Mr Mavunga.
He said the commission was deeply saddened that the tragedy had occurred during Highlanders’ centenary celebrations.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of this loss, which comes as the club was celebrating a centenary of existence, and we join you in mourning the passing of these cherished members of the club leadership and esteemed servants of sport in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Mavunga acknowledged the profound grief facing the bereaved families and the Highlanders fraternity, expressing hope that the support of relatives, friends and colleagues would provide comfort during the difficult period.
“Although there are no words that can truly lessen the pain of such a loss, we hope that the support of family, friends, colleagues and loved ones will provide comfort and strength in the days ahead,” he said.
He said the SRC stood in solidarity with Highlanders during the period of mourning and noted that the entire sporting fraternity shared in the club’s grief.
“The SRC stands in solidarity with the Highlanders FC family during this time of bereavement. The wider sporting fraternity also shares in your loss and keeps you in their thoughts and prayers,” said Mr Mavunga.
He urged the bereaved families and the Bosso family to draw strength from the legacy left behind by the three administrators.
“May the fond memories you shared with these dear departed colleagues bring comfort, and may their legacy continue to inspire those whose lives they touched, and may their dear souls rest in eternal peace,” he said.
derick.khumalo