Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
Veteran women’s football administrator Sibekiwe Ndlovu has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Highlanders Football Club chairman, Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, describing him as a selfless and passionate football administrator whose commitment to the game extended far beyond the boardroom.
Speaking during Mhlophe’s funeral service at St Margaret’s North End Anglican Parish on Monday afternoon, Ndlovu recalled his unwavering support for women’s football long before he became Highlanders chairman.
Mhlophe died on Thursday at the age of 70 when the Ford Raptor he was travelling in was involved in a fatal road traffic accident at Lochard in Insiza along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road while returning from Highlanders’ Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba.
Also killed in the accident were Highlanders vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, executive committee member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda.
Ndlovu, who serves as the Zifa Southern Region women’s football administrator and also runs Division One side Lobengula Queens, said Mhlophe was always willing to assist whenever Highlanders Royals needed support.
“I am a bona fide Highlanders FC member. I have known Mr Mhlophe for a very long time, before he was even Highlanders chairman. When I was chairlady of Highlanders Royals, he used to assist me by using his car to transport players. Even when he couldn’t do it himself, he would give me money and ask me to hire a minibus,” she said.
“When the situation was tough, I would sometimes use my car and he would also use his car to transport the girls to wherever we were going to play.
“Sometimes we would go as far as Hwange and he would give us money to buy food and other necessities to assist the players. He was passionate about football and was always concerned about the welfare of players until he was elected Highlanders chairman.”
Ndlovu said Mhlophe remained committed to serving football until his untimely death.
“He worked very hard until his departure. I am very saddened by the loss because I am also a family friend of his wife, Mrs Chipo Mhlophe,” she said.
Thousands of mourners attended the joint memorial service for the four Highlanders members at Barbourfields Stadium earlier on Monday before Siziba and Khoza were laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery.
Mhlophe will be buried with full military honours at Lady Stanley Cemetery on Tuesday in recognition of his service as a retired colonel, while Sibanda will be laid to rest in Filabusi.
