Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS Football Club patron Jimmy Ncube has died.
He was 90.
Ncube died on Tuesday night here in Bulawayo where he had been unwell for a while. Dumisani Sandi, the club board president visited Ncube at a health facility on Tuesday and advised his colleagues and club that the patron was in bad state.
Highlanders board member and acting executive in charge of administration Elkanah Dube confirmed the passing of Ncube, a club veteran administrator whose association with the Bosso board dates back to 1979.
Ncube who rose to being assistant director of housing at Bulawayo City Council, served for decades in the Highlanders board and became patron replacing another club stalwart Taffi Moyo who died over a decade ago.
On Wednesday morning Highlanders issued a statement mourning the departure of a committed cadre who had served the club with distinction in a silverware laden 46 years.
“It is with profound sorrow and deep sense of loss that the president, board of directors, interim executive committee, secretariat, technical team and players and the entire club family announce the passing of our revered Club Patron and one of the longest serving board members, Jimmy Ncube,” wrote the club.
He was praised for his unwavering dedication, wisdom and passion which helped shape the club.
“His strategic vision guided us through moments of great triumph as well as times of challenge, always serving as a steady anchor and a voice of reason,” the club statement further read.
Beyond his official capacities at the club that ranged from board member, to board secretary and patron, Ncube was described as a mentor, a father figure and a cherished friend to generations of players.
A committed member of the Seventh Day Adventist, Ncube ensured that the club remained rooted in its core values of integrity, unity and excellence.
“His presence in the boardroom and his warm, encouraging words on the sidelines will be desperately missed.”
Highlanders said funeral arrangement details will be released as time goes on.
