Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has described the deaths of three senior executive members of Highlanders Football Club, who perished in a horrific road accident on Thursday night, as “a loss not only to Highlanders but to the entire nation”.
The three officials — chairperson Colonel (Retd) Kenneth Mhlope, vice chairperson Mr Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Mr Nkani Khoza — died when their vehicle was involved in a fatal crash along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.
A fourth victim, identified as staunch club supporter Ms Mbalenhle Sibanda, also died in the accident.
President Mnangagwa has since directed that the deceased be accorded State-assisted funerals.
In his condolence message released through Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, the President expressed profound sorrow at the tragedy.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I learned of the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three distinguished executive members of Highlanders Football Club — Colonel (Retd) Kenneth Mhlope, the chairman; Mr Sifiso Siziba, the vice chairperson; and Mr Nkani Khoza, the treasurer,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Highlanders Football Club is more than a team. It is an institution, a symbol of our heritage, unity and national pride. These departed sons of the soil dedicated their lives to the development of football in Zimbabwe serving Bosso and the nation with dedication, humility and love for the game.”
To lose “three custodians of such a revered national institution in one tragic moment”, President Mnangagwa said, “is a loss, not only to Highlanders, but to the entire nation”.
“On behalf of Government, ZANU PF and the people of Zimbabwe, extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Highlanders Football Club family, to the bereaved families, friends and to the entire football fraternity. I have directed that the deceased be accorded a State-assisted funerals. We pray that the Almighty grants the departed souls eternal peace and their families strength and comfort during this period of grief. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
