Nation mourns Bosso executives

Vusumuzi Dube

Bulawayo Bureau

THE nation has been plunged into mourning following the tragic deaths of Highlanders Football Club chairman Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza, whose lives were cut short in a road traffic accident along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road on Thursday night.

The deaths have sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe, leaving the football fraternity united in grief over the loss of leaders who were widely praised for their dedication, service and commitment to one of the country’s oldest football institutions.

The trio died when the vehicle they were travelling in hit a cow, swerved to the right, and collided with a bus at Lochard in Insiza, while returning from Kariba, where they had accompanied Highlanders for their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League mid-week match against ZPC Kariba.

The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over Highlanders’ centenary celebrations, with football stakeholders describing the timing of the loss as particularly painful for a club that was supposed to be celebrating a century of existence.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) led the tributes, describing the deaths as a huge loss.

“This is an immeasurable loss for Highlanders Football Club, the city of Bulawayo, and the Zimbabwean football family. Their unwavering commitment, selfless service and leadership made an enduring contribution to one of the country’s most iconic football institutions,” said ZIFA.

ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said Zimbabwean football had lost committed administrators.

“Zimbabwean football has lost three devoted servants whose passion and commitment helped shape one of our nation’s greatest football institutions. We are devastated by this heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Kenneth Mhlophe, Fiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza, as well as the entire Highlanders family,” said Magwizi.

“It is especially painful that this loss comes during Highlanders’ centenary year, a time that should have been filled with celebration and reflection on a remarkable legacy. Instead, the football family is united in mourning,” Magwizi said.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) also expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of its vice-chairman Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza, describing them as committed administrators whose contribution to the domestic game would never be forgotten.

“The Premier Soccer League Board of Governors and secretariat are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of PSL Vice Chairman, Rtd. Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, who was also the Chairman for Highlanders FC, Highlanders FC vice Chairman, Sifiso Siziba and Treasurer, Nkani Khoza,” the league said.

“The League has lost dedicated football administrators whose leadership, commitment and service made a significant contribution to the development of the game.”

The PSL paid special tribute to Mhlophe, saying he had served the league with distinction and had shown unwavering commitment to advancing Zimbabwean football.

In their condolence message, the Sports and Recreation Commission, through its director-general Mr Allen Mavunga described the trio as cherished leaders whose contribution to Zimbabwean sport would be remembered for generations.

Mr Mavunga said the commission was deeply saddened that the tragedy had occurred during Highlanders’ centenary celebrations, describing the deceased as esteemed servants of Zimbabwean sport. He said the SRC stood in solidarity with the Highlanders family and the wider football fraternity during the difficult period.

Highlanders board chairman Luke Mnkandla said the club was devastated by the loss of three senior leaders, extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

“We are in deep mourning for the tragic loss of lives and especially to their families. We pass our sincere condolences and sympathise with the Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza families,” said Mnkandla.

“We are with you during this difficult time. May God help us during this difficult time until the end and comfort you as well.”

The City of Bulawayo also joined the nation in mourning, describing the deaths as a loss not only to Highlanders but to the city, the country and the global football community.

In a condolence message, town clerk Christopher Dube said the city had received news of the tragedy with shock.

“The tragic death of Highlanders Football Club Chairman Rtd Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice Chairman Sifiso Siziba and Executive Committee Member Finance Nkani Khoza is not just a loss to the oldest football club in the country but the entire Bulawayo community, the nation as well as the global football community,” said Dube.

The local authority said the three executives had dedicated themselves to serving both Highlanders and the wider community.

“With Highlanders Football Club being a community team, the trio presented themselves as servants of the community, stewarding this historic team even under turbulent times,” the city said.

The ZIFA Southern Region described the deaths as a major blow to football, saying the three administrators had been custodians of one of Zimbabwe’s most historic clubs.

ZIFA Southern Region chairman Cris Mtungwazi said the three had served football with dignity and responsibility.

“Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba, and Nkani Khoza led with dignity, humility, and an unwavering sense of responsibility not only at Highlanders, but in the wider Southern Region football community,” said Mtungwazi.

The region announced that a minute of silence would be observed at all Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League matches during Week 19 in honour of the fallen administrators.

The John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust also joined the nation in mourning the deaths of the Bosso trio, describing their passing as a devastating loss to the club and Zimbabwean football.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Trust’s chairperson, Jabu Nkomo noted that they 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.”

Across the country, football clubs set aside rivalries to stand with Highlanders during the difficult period.

Dynamos Football Club, Highlanders’ long-time rivals, expressed solidarity with Bosso, saying football unity was more important during moments of tragedy.

“We are with you. Though rivals on the pitch, we are united as one football family. We stand in solidarity with all Highlanders FC supporters, the bereaved families, the people of Bulawayo and the whole football fraternity in Zimbabwe during this painful time,” Dynamos said.

Bulawayo Chiefs Football Club extended condolences to the bereaved families, Highlanders and all those affected by the tragedy, saying the contribution of the three executives would be remembered.

Chicken Inn Football Club described the deaths as a huge loss to Highlanders, Bulawayo and Zimbabwean football.

“We join the Highlanders family and the entire football fraternity in mourning our heroes who have served the club, the community of Bulawayo, the country and the football fraternity with distinction and honour,” said the club.

CAPS United, another of Zimbabwe’s biggest football institutions, said the tragedy had united the football community in grief.

“The football community is one family, and today we stand united in grief, remembering the invaluable contributions these dedicated leaders made to the game in Zimbabwe,” the Harare giants said.

Other clubs, including FC Platinum, Kwekwe United, Zimbabwe Saints, Jordan FC, Hardrock FC and Scottland FC, also joined in paying tribute to the fallen administrators.

Scottland FC president Honourable Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya said the club mourned the passing of the three Highlanders leaders.

“The three distinguished administrators lost their lives in a devastating road accident last night. May their souls rest in peace,” the club said.

Zimbabwe Saints described the tragedy as a devastating loss to the entire sporting community, saying a whole leadership had been wiped out in the horrific accident.

“It’s heart-rending and as Zimbabwe Saints we are devastated that a whole leadership has been wiped out in such a horrific scenario,” said the club’s board of trustees secretary Martin Mabvira.

The Highlanders Former Footballers Association (HFFA) also paid tribute, saying Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza had given their time, wisdom and hearts to serving Bosso.

“These men gave their time, wisdom and hearts to serve Highlanders FC. They believed in the club’s values and worked tirelessly to keep the Bosso flame burning,” said the association.

The Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association (ZNSSA) organising secretary and Warriors cheerleader Chris Romario Musekiwa said the trio would be remembered as dedicated servants of Zimbabwean football.

“The trio served football with utmost dedication and passion. They will be sadly missed,” he said.

The Dynamos Supporters Harare Chapter also joined the mourning, saying football rivalries disappear during moments of unimaginable grief.

“Football boundaries disappear in times of such unimaginable grief. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the entire Bosso family as we mourn the tragic passing of your dedicated leadership pillars,” the supporters said.