derick.khumalo
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube and Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda have paid tribute to three Highlanders Football Club executive members and a staunch female supporter who died in a tragic road traffic accident on Thursday evening.
Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and staunch supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda were travelling from the club’s away Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match in Kariba when the accident occurred after their vehicle reportedly hit a beast.
Addressing delegates at a Parliamentary engagement in Bulawayo on Saturday morning, Minister Ncube described the deaths as a huge loss to both the city and the nation, saying Highlanders FC had lost astute football leaders and a loyal supporter.
“Just a day before yesterday (Thursday evening), the city lost three of Highlanders FC leadership and a supporter Mbalenhle.
“We are going around making appropriate burial arrangements in this most difficult time,” she said.
Advocate Mudenda also expressed his sadness over the tragic loss, describing Highlanders FC as one of Zimbabwe’s most important football institutions whose centenary celebrations had been overshadowed by tragedy.
“The top leadership and a supporter of the oldest football club in the country perished in a tragic accident at a time when the club is celebrating its 100 years this year.
“It is only befitting that we observe a minute of silence,” he said.
The Parliamentary gathering observed a minute of silence in honour of the departed Highlanders FC officials and staunch female supporter, Mbalenhle Sibanda.
