Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
AJAX Hotspurs manager Gugu Dlomo has paid tribute to the late Highlanders chairman, Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, describing him as a selfless benefactor whose generosity helped sustain the club during challenging times.
Mhlophe, 70, died on Thursday evening in a tragic road accident at Lochard along the Bulawayo-Harare Road.
He was travelling with Highlanders vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, board member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza and club member Mbalenhle Sibanda when their vehicle reportedly struck a stray animal before crashing. All four occupants died at the scene.
Dlomo, who has managed Mpopoma-based junior development side Ajax Hotspurs for many years, said Highlanders owed much of their recent survival to Mhlophe’s unwavering support.
“He was our sponsor. He paid for all our trips when we were in Division One,” said Dlomo, recalling the late chairman’s commitment to the club during one of its most difficult periods.
A funeral service for the four departed club members is currently under way at Barbourfields Stadium.
Siziba and Khoza will be laid to rest on Monday at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo, while Mhlophe will be buried there on Tuesday.
Sibanda will also be buried on Tuesday at her rural home in Hlatshwayo, Insiza District.
