Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S a wound that refuses to close.
Almost 17 years after the killing of Highlanders great Cleopas “Dilo Dilo” Dlodlo in Johannesburg, his father Stanley says the pain has never eased and the questions around his son’s death still haunt the family.
Stanley spoke yesterday after a solemn gathering at Highlanders Clubhouse, where Bosso legends came together to spruce up the graves of their former teammates Cleopas and Nkulukelo Dlodlo. The event was attended by former players and administrators united by memory and loss.
Cleopas, a former Highlanders defender, died in 2009 in Johannesburg after being struck with a brick on the head while trying to intervene in a pub brawl in Hillbrow.
“I’m still in pain,” said Stanley.
“While I’m very much grateful for what Highlanders did in remembrance of my Cleopas, all I can say I’m still pained by the way he died. He was hit with a brick on the back of his head, but why? I’m still healing and the family is still grieving. He was a real Dlodlo,” said Stanley, his grief etched clearly on his face.
Cleopas played for Highlanders from 1989 to 1994 before crossing into South Africa, where he turned out for Kaizer Chiefs between 1995 and 1997 and later joined their Soweto neighbours Moroka Swallows.
Yesterday’s visit saw former Bosso players pay tribute to both Cleopas and the late Nkululeko “Chunky” Dlodlo by visiting and cleaning their graves in Bulawayo, honouring the role they played in the club’s history.
The programme formed part of the Highlanders Former Players Association’s annual tradition of remembering departed teammates, rooted in unity, respect and the belief that service to the black and white cause is never forgotten.
Former players first visited Pelandaba Cemetery, where they cleared and cleaned Cleopas’ grave, before proceeding to Lady Stanley Cemetery to honour Nkululeko in a ceremony that was quiet, dignified and heavy with emotion.
Born on 13 January 1969, Cleopas passed on 13 July 2009, but remains fondly remembered as a committed Eagles and Highlanders defender whose influence stretched beyond the pitch.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Stanley said the gesture by the Bosso legends had touched them deeply.
“As a family, we are privileged to be honoured by the Highlanders legends in this way. It is heart warming that my son is being remembered by them and as a family, we are so grateful,” said Dlodlo.
His niece, Nicole Sibanda, described the occasion as a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy still lives on among family members and former teammates.
“He was known all over and I loved him and will always remember him. This is a befitting way to remember his legacy as a Highlanders player by his teammates,” said Sibanda.
At Lady Stanley Cemetery, emotions again ran high as former players honoured Nkululeko, who is fondly remembered for his goalscoring ability, humility and commitment during his time at Bosso.
Nkululeko also turned out for Eagles and Railstars. His mother, Simami Nyathi, said the continued support from the Highlanders family had overwhelmed her.
“I miss my son dearly and seeing this kind of love shown to him has touched my heart. He was brought up by his grandmother and to witness his former teammates and the Highlanders family coming together to clear and spruce up his grave is something I never expected. I am overwhelmed and grateful that he is still being remembered in this way,” Nyathi said.
Chunky died on 22 December 2021 and was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery on December 27, 2021.
The programme included speeches from family representatives, Highlanders Football Club officials and Former Players Association chairman Jerry Sibanda, all of whom spoke about the importance of preserving the club’s heritage and honouring those who laid its foundation.
Several Bosso greats attended the event, including Madinda Ndlovu, Jerry Sibanda, Thabani Masawi, Kenneth Dzowa, Netsai Moyo, Douglas Mloyi, Itayi Masawi and Marko Ndlovu, underlining the strong bond that continues to unite former Highlanders players long after their playing days.
Highlanders chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla was also present, alongside former treasurer Vana Hlabangana and former committee member Siphatho Ncube.
The annual initiative, usually held on the first weekend of December, was this year moved to 3 January 2026, after clashing with the SADC Masters Tournament that had been scheduled for the same weekend in Francistown, Botswana.
