Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu Deputy Echo Editor
HIGHLANDERS former players at the weekend paid a heartfelt tribute to late Bosso players Cleopas “Dilo Dilo” Dlodlo and Nkululeko “Chunky” Dlodlo, as they visited and spruced up their gravesites in Bulawayo in honour of their contribution to the club.
The visit formed part of the Highlanders Former Players Association’s annual programme of remembering departed teammates, a tradition rooted in unity, respect and the belief that those who served the black-and-white cause are never forgotten.
Former players first visited Pelandaba Cemetery, where they cleared and cleaned the grave of Cleopas “Dilo Dilo” Dlodlo, before proceeding to Lady Stanley Cemetery to honour Nkululeko “Chunky” Dlodlo in a solemn and dignified ceremony.
Born on January 13, 1969, Cleopas Dlodlo passed on July 13, 2009, but remains fondly remembered as a committed Highlanders defender whose influence extended beyond the pitch.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his father, Stanley Dlodlo, said the gesture by the Bosso legends was deeply touching.
“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 befitting tribute to a man whose legacy remains close to the hearts of both his family 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.
Dlodlo, affectionately known as “Dilo Dilo” or “Inkatha”, was remembered as a dependable teammate and a true servant of the club whose legacy continues to inspire.
At Lady Stanley Cemetery, emotions ran high as former players honoured the late Nkululeko “Chunky” Dlodlo, fondly remembered for his strength, humility and commitment during his time at Bosso.
His mother Simami Nyathi said she was overwhelmed by the continued support shown by the Highlanders family.
“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 truly overwhelmed and grateful that he is still being remembered in this way,” Nyathi said.
Chunky died on December 22, 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 the chairman of the Former Players Association, all of whom highlighted 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, Kennth Dzowa, Netsai Moyo, Douglas Mloyi, Itayi Masawi Graham Ncube and Marko Ndlovu, underlining the strong bond that continues to unite former Highlanders players long after their playing days.
The annual initiative, usually held on the first weekend of December, was this year moved to January 3, 2026, after clashing with the SADC Masters Tournament that had been scheduled for the same weekend in Francistown, Botswana.
Proceedings began at the Highlanders Clubhouse before the gravesite visits and concluded back at the clubhouse over lunch and refreshments.
The tribute once again reinforced the enduring belief that Bosso is more than a football club — it is a family — and that the legacy of players such as Cleopas “Dilo Dilo” Dlodlo and Nkululeko “Chunky” Dlodlo will continue to live on within the black-and-white community.
