Online Reporter
SCORES of mourners have gathered at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo for a joint funeral service for four Highlanders Football Club members who died in a tragic road traffic accident last Thursday while returning from the club’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba.
The service is bringing together Government officials, football administrators, players, supporters, traditional leaders, church leaders and members of the public to pay their last respects to Highlanders chairman Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, executive committee member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza and club member Mbalenhle Sibanda.
President Mnangagwa accorded the four State-assisted funerals in recognition of their contribution to Zimbabwean football and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Following the funeral service, Mr Siziba and Mr Khoza will be laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery this afternoon, while Colonel (Retired) Mhlophe will be buried at the same cemetery on Tuesday. Ms Sibanda will be laid to rest at her rural home in Filabusi.
The deaths of the four Bosso members have plunged Highlanders, the football fraternity and the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from across Zimbabwe and beyond.
Follow our live updates from Barbourfields Stadium as the nation bids farewell to the Bosso quartet.
VIPs arrive for Bosso quartet funeral service
Senior Government officials, traditional leaders, football administrators and civic leaders have arrived at Barbourfields Stadium ahead of the joint funeral service for four Highlanders Football Club members who died in a tragic road traffic accident last Thursday.
Among the dignitaries already at the stadium are Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, President of the National Council of Chiefs Chief Mtshane Khumalo, Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) president Nqobile Magwizi, Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube.
The dignitaries joined thousands of mourners, Highlanders supporters, football stakeholders and members of the public gathered to pay their final respects to Highlanders chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, executive committee member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza and club member Mbalenhle Sibanda.
WATCH: Bosso quartet arrives at Barbourfields for final farewell
A solemn funeral procession carrying the bodies of the late Highlanders Football Club chairman Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda has arrived at Barbourfields Stadium for a joint funeral service.
The four hearses, escorted to the stadium, were met by thousands of mourners, including Government officials, football administrators, traditional leaders, Highlanders supporters and members of the public who gathered to pay their final respects to the Bosso quartet.
United in grief, football family stands as one for Bosso quartet
It was a sea of black and white, punctuated by splashes of blue, green and other club colours, as Zimbabwe’s football family set rivalries aside to unite in grief at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday morning.
Supporters clad in the colours of Highlanders, Dynamos, CAPS United, Bulawayo Chiefs and other Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clubs stood shoulder to shoulder to mourn the tragic loss of Highlanders chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda.
The blended colours in the packed stadium painted a powerful picture of unity, reflecting the profound impact the tragedy has had on Zimbabwean football.
For a moment, club allegiances gave way to shared sorrow as thousands gathered to pay their final respects to the Bosso quartet, who lost their lives in a road traffic accident on Thursday while returning from Kariba.
The emotional joint funeral service has drawn Government officials, football administrators, traditional leaders, players, supporters and members of the public, all united by a common purpose — to honour four lives devoted to the beautiful game.
The sombre atmosphere has been marked by hymns, prayers, tears and embraces, with the football fraternity demonstrating that, in moments of tragedy, the game transcends competition and becomes one family.
Thousands mourn Bosso fallen sons and daughter
THOUSANDS of mourners have converged at Barbourfields Stadium to pay their respects to the late three Highlanders executive members and female supporter who perished last Thursday night in a horrific car accident.
The three fallen Bosso executive members- club chairman Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza together with club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda perished in a car crash when a Ford Raptor that they were travelling in hit a cow and collided with a bus along the Bulawayo-Gweru Highway.
From politicians, businesspeople, traditional chiefs, civic leaders, members of the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), football supporters from various Premier Soccer League clubs and Bulawayo residents, Barbourfields Stadium is a sea of mourners.
This Monday afternoon, Siziba and Khoza will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo. Mhlophe will be buried at the same cemetery on Tuesday while female supporter Sibanda will be laid to rest in Filabusi on the same day.
In a scene rarely witnessed at Barbourfields, the fierce rivalry between Highlanders, Dynamos, Bulawayo Chiefs, MWOS FC, Caps United among other teams, was replaced by unity and grief.
The football supporters stood shoulder to shoulder, singing together at the Soweto Stand, a section traditionally reserved for the Highlanders faithful.
The atmosphere was not defined by the usual chants of rivalry but by shared sorrow, as officials from clubs across the Premier Soccer League and football administrators joined the Highlanders family in paying their final respects.
For one poignant moment, football rivalries faded away, replaced by compassion, solidarity and a collective promise that those lost would never be forgotten.
Mnkandla laments social media as Bosso bids farewell to club leaders
HIGHLANDERS board chairman Luke Mnkandla has expressed disappointment over the manner in which news of the deaths of the club’s executive members and a supporter spread on social media before some family members had been formally informed.
Speaking during a memorial service for the four, Mnkandla said the rapid circulation of the news had added to the pain of an already heartbreaking tragedy.
“I thought I had become hardened, but this has made me rather soft. I want to underline my unhappiness with some journalists on social media. The news was spreading before even the families knew,” said Mnkandla.
The football fraternity is mourning the loss of Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda who died in a road traffic accident while travelling back to Bulawayo after attending the club’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium.
Ajax Hotspurs mourn Highlanders chairman Mhlophe
AJAX Hotspurs manager Gugu DlomoAJAX Hotspurs manager Gugu Dlomo has paid tribute to the late Highlanders chairman, Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, describing him as a selfless benefactor whose generosity helped sustain the club during challenging times.
Mhlophe, 70, died on Thursday evening in a tragic road accident at Lochard along the Bulawayo-Harare Road.
He was travelling with Highlanders vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, board member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza and club member Mbalenhle Sibanda when their vehicle reportedly struck a stray animal before crashing. All four occupants died at the scene.
Dlomo, who has managed Mpopoma-based junior development side Ajax Hotspurs for many years, said Highlanders owed much of their recent survival to Mhlophe’s unwavering support.
“He was our sponsor. He paid for all our trips when we were in Division One,” said Dlomo, recalling the late chairman’s commitment to the club during one of its most difficult periods.
A funeral service for the four departed club members is currently under way at Barbourfields Stadium.
Siziba and Khoza will be laid to rest on Monday at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo, while Mhlophe will be buried there on Tuesday.
Sibanda will also be buried on Tuesday at her rural home in Hlatshwayo, Insiza District.
WATCH: Deputy Mayor mourns Bosso quartet, calls for protection of public infrastructure
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu has expressed the city’s deep sorrow following the death of three Highlanders Football Club executive members and a supporter in a tragic road traffic accident, describing them as dedicated citizens who served their club, community and the nation.
Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Highlanders chairman, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, executive committee member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda died last Thursday night when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in an accident along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road in Insiza District.
Cllr Ndlovu conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, Highlanders Football Club and the wider football fraternity, saying the country should honour and remember the contribution made by the deceased.
He said the four had left a lasting legacy through their service and commitment, adding that their dedication should inspire others to continue working for the betterment of Zimbabwe.
The Deputy Mayor said the loss had been felt beyond Bulawayo, as the deceased had contributed to the growth of an institution that holds national significance.
Cllr Ndlovu also commended Government and various stakeholders for the support rendered to the victims’ families during the difficult period.
He urged Zimbabweans to remain united in mourning the Bosso family members while celebrating the legacy they left behind.
Meanwhile, Cllr Ndlovu raised concern over the vandalism of public infrastructure, particularly the removal of protective fencing installed along highways by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ).
He said the destruction of such infrastructure undermines efforts to improve road safety and protect lives, calling on lawmakers to support legislation that introduces stiffer penalties for those found guilty of vandalising public property.
The Deputy Mayor said stronger deterrent measures were necessary to safeguard infrastructure that plays a critical role in preventing road accidents.
Zifa hails Highlanders quartet as selfless servants of Zimbabwean football
ZIMBABWE Football Association (Zifa) president Nqobile Magwizi has described the late Highlanders officials and supporter who perished in a road traffic accident as selfless servants whose contribution to football will remain woven into the history of the country.
Speaking during the combined send-off ceremony for the four at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday, Magwizi said the deaths of Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman and Warriors security officer Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and Bosso life member and ardent supporter Mbalinhle Sibanda had united the football family in grief.
“You can hear them (supporters) singing, the amount of joy and passion that drives them. This is what Barbourfields represents. Today, however, this great stadium carries a different emotion.
“It carries the weight of profound loss. We have come together to bid farewell to four cherished members of our football family,” said Magwizi.
He extended condolences on behalf of Zifa to the bereaved families, Highlanders and the people of Bulawayo.
“Today we mourn with you, we grieve with you and today we stand with you,” he said.
Magwizi also thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Government for according the four state-assisted funerals.
“The decision to accord Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba, Khani Khoza and Mbalinhle 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,” he said.
The Zifa president said the tragedy had demonstrated football’s ability to unite people beyond club rivalries.
“This tragedy has reminded us that while clubs may compete fiercely on the field, there are moments when the badge on the jersey no longer matters.
“Over the past few days, we have witnessed supporters from clubs around the country putting rivalries aside.
“We have seen football administrators, former players, current players, sponsors, Government officials and ordinary Zimbabweans united by one purpose.
“That is the true spirit of Zimbabwean football.
“That is the Zimbabwe we all believe in.”
Magwizi paid tribute to each of the deceased, describing Mhlophe as a disciplined administrator whose contribution stretched beyond Highlanders to the Warriors.
“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 Mhlophe was one of them. Zimbabwean football salutes his remarkable contribution,” he said.
He said Siziba executed his duties with dedication and professionalism.
“He was not only Highlanders’ vice-chairman but also 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 service.”
On Khoza, Magwizi said the late executive member worked tirelessly for the growth of Highlanders.
“He understood that behind every 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 talent to the institution he loved.”
Magwizi also recognised the contribution of Sibanda, saying supporters remain the lifeblood of the game.
“She held no executive office. She kept 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.”
He urged the football fraternity to honour the quartet by preserving the values they stood for.
“As we prepare to lay these four remarkable individuals to rest, let us honour them not only with our tears, but with our actions. Let us continue to build a football family rooted in unity, respect, integrity and compassion.
“Let us continue to look after one another.
“If this tragedy has taught us anything, it is that life is precious, unity is powerful and service leaves a legacy far beyond our time on earth,” said Magwizi.
Bosso chairman Mhlophe’s funeral service begins in Bulawayo
The funeral service for Highlanders Football Club chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, who died in a tragic road accident last Thursday, has begun at St Margaret’s North End Parish in Bulawayo.
Mhlophe died alongside three other members of the Highlanders family; his deputy, Mr Sifiso Siziba, executive committee member responsible for finance Mr Nkani Khoza and club member Ms Mbalenhle Sibanda; when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in an accident at Lochard in Insiza along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road.
The accident occurred while the Highlanders delegation was returning from the club’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League away fixture against ZPC Kariba.
Mourners, including family members, Highlanders officials, football stakeholders and supporters, gathered at the church to pay their final respects to Col (Rtd) Mhlophe, who served as chairman of one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic football institutions.
Col (Rtd) Mhlophe will be laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery on Tuesday, while his colleagues Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza are scheduled to be buried at the same cemetery on Monday (today).
Ms Sibanda will be buried in Filabusi on Tuesday.
State honours Highlanders executives, urges Bosso family to uphold legacy
MINISTER of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Judith Ncube has urged the Highlanders Football Club family to remain united and preserve the legacy of four club officials who died in a tragic road traffic accident, describing them as selfless leaders whose contribution to Bosso and the nation will never be forgotten.
Speaking during the combined send-off of Highlanders chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice-Chairman Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and supporter Mbalenhle Sibnada at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday afternoon , Minister Ncube said their passing was a huge loss not only to their families, but also to Bulawayo, Highlanders Football Club and the country.
“Today, we gather with hearts weighed down by grief to bid farewell to our remarkable sons and daughter of our province whose lives were tragically cut short in a road traffic accident,” she said.
Cde Ncube conveyed condolences on behalf of Government and the people of Bulawayo Metropolitan province to the bereaved families, saying the nation stood with them during their time of mourning.
She said President Mnangagwa had granted the four a State-assisted funeral in recognition of their distinguished service to Highlanders Football Club and the nation.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, granted a State-assisted funeral to our loved ones and has conveyed his sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the Highlanders Football Club family and the nation at large,” she said.
The Minister described Highlanders Football Club as an enduring symbol of unity and resilience whose influence extends beyond football.
“Highlanders Football Club is more than a football team. It is a symbol of unity, resilience and identity. For generations, Bosso has brought people together across communities, inspired young talent and proudly carried the name of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe wherever it has competed,” she said.
Paying tribute to the late officials, Cde Ncube said Mhlophe had provided disciplined and visionary leadership that strengthened the club.
She said the late Siziba was a committed administrator whose dedication, teamwork and accountability helped drive the club’s growth, while Khoza had safeguarded the club’s financial affairs with diligence and integrity.
Sibanda, she said, exemplified the Bosso spirit through her loyalty, commitment and willingness to serve despite working away from the spotlight.
“These four individuals came from different backgrounds and served in different capacities, but they shared one common purpose — to see Highlanders Football Club prosper. They gave selflessly of their time, energy and expertise, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, humility and service,” she said.
Cde Ncube challenged the Highlanders leadership and supporters to honour the deceased by safeguarding the institution they served.
“To the Highlanders Football Club family, I encourage you to remain united during this difficult period. The greatest tribute you can pay to these departed leaders is to continue building the institution they loved so dearly and to ensure that their vision lives on through future generations,” she said.
She also commended Bosso supporters for standing with the bereaved families during their darkest hour.
“Your solidarity demonstrates that Bosso is not merely a football club but a family bound together by shared history, loyalty and compassion,” said Cde Ncube.
She urged the bereaved families to draw comfort from the enduring legacy left by their loved ones, saying their service would continue to be remembered by Bulawayo, Highlanders Football Club and the nation.
“As we bid them farewell today, let us cherish their memory, emulate their spirit of service and continue working together to build stronger communities and a stronger nation,” she said.
Ends
