Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube
The John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust has joined the nation in mourning the deaths of Highlanders Football Club chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso “Fiso” Siziba and finance executive Nkani Khoza, describing their passing as a devastating loss to the club and Zimbabwean football.
The three senior Bosso administrators died in a road traffic accident along the Bulawayo-Harare Road on Thursday night, a tragedy that has triggered an outpouring of grief from across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Trust’s chairperson, Jabu Nkomo extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Highlanders fraternity and everyone affected by the accident.
“The John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust joins the football fraternity, the nation, and all our partners in mourning the tragic and untimely passing of Highlanders Football Club Executive Members, Chairman Rtd Col Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice Chairman Fiso Siziba and Executive Member Finance Nkani Khoza,” the Trust said.
“The Trust extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives, friends, teammates and the entire Highlanders FC family during this profoundly difficult time. We also extend our condolences to all others affected by this tragic accident.”
The Trust said it had worked closely with the three executives over the past year, particularly in overseeing the implementation of businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo’s US$1 million donation to Highlanders Football Club.
“The Trust had the privilege of working closely with Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza over the past year, particularly in stewarding the historic US$1 million donation made to the club by businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo.
“We enjoyed a very cordial relationship which highlighted their leadership, dedication and vision to ensure funds are properly utilised towards the sustainable growth and development of the club.”
The Trust said the sudden deaths of the three administrators had created a void that would be difficult to fill.
“Their sudden passing leaves an immense void, which we believe will be difficult to fill.”
It called on the football fraternity, corporate partners and the nation to rally behind Highlanders as the club navigates one of the darkest periods in its history.
“We call upon the football community, our valued sponsors and partners, and the wider nation to stand together in solidarity with Highlanders FC during this period of mourning.
“The Trust remains fully committed to supporting the club’s leadership structures as they navigate this difficult transition, and to honouring the legacy of these three leaders through the continued and responsible implementation of initiatives they helped set in motion.”
The Trust also used the occasion to urge motorists to exercise caution on the country’s roads.
“As the nation reflects on this immense loss, we also take this moment to reiterate the importance of road safety on our highways and we urge caution among all road users.”
derick.khumalo