Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Gibson Mhaka, Chronicle Writers
FROM Barbourfields Stadium, a convoy stretching nearly three kilometres snaked slowly through Bulawayo’s streets yesterday.
Gone were the celebratory songs and jubilant chants that usually accompany Highlanders Football Club gatherings.
Instead, sorrow filled the air.
The club’s iconic black-and-white colours, symbols of pride and triumph on match days, became colours of mourning as thousands united in grief.
Former players, administrators and supporters shouldered the coffins one last time, accompanying the three men — Highlanders FC chairman, Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Sifiso (Bro Fiso) Siziba, and treasurer Nkani Khoza who had dedicated years of selfless service to Zimbabwe’s oldest football club.
The three executives, alongside devoted team member and supporter, Mbalenhle Sibanda, died on Thursday evening in a horrific road accident near Lochard, about 60km from Bulawayo along the Bulawayo-Gweru Highway.
The quartet was accorded State-assisted funeral with President Mnangagwa leading the nation in mourning their tragic death.
They were on their way back to Bulawayo from Kariba where Bosso had gone for an away match.
There was something quite symbolic about the silence that settled over Lady Stanley Cemetery.
It was not the silence of emptiness, but of hearts too broken for words. As Siziba and Khoza’s coffins, surrounded by grieving families, Highlanders Football Club officials, former players, supporters and dignitaries, were lowered into the earth side by side, tears flowed freely.
Some mourners buried their faces in folded arms, while others stared silently into the open graves, struggling to come to terms with the loss of Bosso’s most devoted servants.
Only days earlier, the team had travelled together in service of the club they loved. Now, fate had brought them to their final resting place together.
Siziba’s farewell included full honours befitting his career in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
Police officers stood in disciplined formation as a ceremonial gun salute echoed across the cemetery, piercing the afternoon silence.
Before his coffin was lowered into the grave, his service cap, belt, handcuffs and the ZRP flag were carefully placed on top, before later being presented to his family in recognition of his distinguished service.
Beside him rested Khoza, whose path in life had been different but whose destination reflected the same spirit of service.
Khoza built a distinguished career in finance, business and football administration.
Both however found common purpose in serving Highlanders Football Club with unwavering commitment.
As the first clods of earth struck the wooden coffins, mourners reflected on lives defined not by titles or professions, but by sacrifice, humility and dedication.
Football had united two men from different backgrounds, binding them together in life and, ultimately, in death.
As the two were laid to rest, the hearse carrying the body of Col (Rtd) Mhlophe turned towards his New Parklands home, where family, friends and fellow Bosso faithful gathered for an overnight vigil ahead of his burial today.
Another vehicle headed for Filabusi with the body of Sibanda.
The separate journeys highlighted the magnitude of a tragedy that claimed not only respected football administrators but also one of the club’s most loyal supporters, leaving an entire football family in mourning.
Addressing hundreds of mourners earlier, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube described the pair as outstanding patriots whose lives were devoted to serving Zimbabwe.
“Though they walked different paths in life, they were united by one common purpose — to serve Zimbabwe with honour, commitment and distinction,” she said.
Minister Ncube said Siziba’s more than three decades in the police service were marked by professionalism, humility and exemplary leadership, while his contribution to football inspired countless young people.
She said Khoza’s patriotism dated back to the liberation struggle, during which he sacrificed his freedom before dedicating more than four decades to national development through finance, business and community service.
“The greatest tribute we can pay them is not merely through our words today, but by emulating the values they lived for — discipline, patriotism, hard work, humility and service to others,” she said.
“Let us recommit ourselves to promoting peace, unity and national development while rejecting violence, corruption, crime and drug and substance abuse.”
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu said the tragedy had robbed not only Highlanders but the nation of selfless citizens who dedicated their lives to serving others.
“They represented Zimbabwe with distinction and their dedication should continue to inspire all of us to work for the betterment of our nation,” he said.
President of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, thanked the Government for the support extended to Highlanders Football Club and the bereaved families during one of the club’s darkest moments.
He also appealed to communities living along the country’s highways to ensure livestock is properly secured, saying preventable road accidents involving stray animals continued to claim innocent lives.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mr Nicholas Moyo said the tragedy had shaken not only the Highlanders family but the entire nation.
“They were servants of the game, custodians of a proud legacy and leaders who devoted their time, energy and expertise to strengthen one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic football institutions. They invested in young people, fostered unity and inspired countless supporters through their selfless service,” he said.
Mr Moyo said Highlanders was far more than a football club, describing it as a national institution whose history had become intertwined with Zimbabwe’s identity and culture. “We mourn the loss of these distinguished individuals and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the continued growth of Zimbabwe’s sport,” he said.
“We encourage the Highlanders family to remain united and honour their memory by continuing the work they began with the same dedication, integrity, transparency and purpose.”
Supporters normally divided by fierce rivalries stood together as one grieving family. Dynamos supporters mourned alongside Highlanders faithful, while followers of CAPS United, Bulawayo Chiefs, MWOS FC and several other Premier Soccer League clubs gathered at the Soweto End, where rival colours rarely find common ground.
