Online Reporter
Pictures by Obey Sibanda
A sombre atmosphere engulfed Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo on Monday as Highlanders Football Club vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba and executive committee member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza were laid to rest.
The two Highlanders leaders were buried amid an outpouring of grief from family members, club officials, football stakeholders and supporters who gathered to pay their final respects to men who dedicated themselves to serving Bosso.
The black and white colours of Highlanders dominated the cemetery as mourners, many wearing the club’s regalia, stood in silence to bid farewell to the two administrators whose sudden deaths had sent shockwaves across the football fraternity.
Emotions ran high as tributes were delivered, with speakers reflecting on Siziba and Khoza’s commitment, humility and contribution to the growth of one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic football institutions.
Supporters who normally fill the terraces of Barbourfields Stadium with songs and chants were reduced to tears as they remembered the departed Highlanders sons.
Siziba and Khoza were among four Highlanders members who died last Thursday night in a tragic road accident at Lochard in Insiza along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road.
They died alongside Highlanders chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda when the vehicle they were travelling in struck a cow before colliding with an oncoming bus.
Col (Rtd) Mhlophe will be laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery on Tuesday, while Sibanda will be buried in Filabusi on the same day.
