Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka at Barbourfields Stadium
MINISTER of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Judith Ncube has urged the Highlanders Football Club family to remain united and preserve the legacy of four club officials who died in a tragic road traffic accident, describing them as selfless leaders whose contribution to Bosso and the nation will never be forgotten.
Speaking during the combined send-off of Highlanders chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice-Chairman Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and supporter Mbalenhle Sibnada at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday afternoon , Minister Ncube said their passing was a huge loss not only to their families, but also to Bulawayo, Highlanders Football Club and the country.
“Today, we gather with hearts weighed down by grief to bid farewell to our remarkable sons and daughter of our province whose lives were tragically cut short in a road traffic accident,” she said.
Cde Ncube conveyed condolences on behalf of Government and the people of Bulawayo Metropolitan province to the bereaved families, saying the nation stood with them during their time of mourning.
She said President Mnangagwa had granted the four a State-assisted funeral in recognition of their distinguished service to Highlanders Football Club and the nation.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, granted a State-assisted funeral to our loved ones and has conveyed his sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the Highlanders Football Club family and the nation at large,” she said.
The Minister described Highlanders Football Club as an enduring symbol of unity and resilience whose influence extends beyond football.
“Highlanders Football Club is more than a football team. It is a symbol of unity, resilience and identity. For generations, Bosso has brought people together across communities, inspired young talent and proudly carried the name of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe wherever it has competed,” she said.
Paying tribute to the late officials, Cde Ncube said Mhlophe had provided disciplined and visionary leadership that strengthened the club.
She said the late Siziba was a committed administrator whose dedication, teamwork and accountability helped drive the club’s growth, while Khoza had safeguarded the club’s financial affairs with diligence and integrity.
Sibanda, she said, exemplified the Bosso spirit through her loyalty, commitment and willingness to serve despite working away from the spotlight.
“These four individuals came from different backgrounds and served in different capacities, but they shared one common purpose — to see Highlanders Football Club prosper. They gave selflessly of their time, energy and expertise, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, humility and service,” she said.
Cde Ncube challenged the Highlanders leadership and supporters to honour the deceased by safeguarding the institution they served.
“To the Highlanders Football Club family, I encourage you to remain united during this difficult period. The greatest tribute you can pay to these departed leaders is to continue building the institution they loved so dearly and to ensure that their vision lives on through future generations,” she said.
She also commended Bosso supporters for standing with the bereaved families during their darkest hour.
“Your solidarity demonstrates that Bosso is not merely a football club but a family bound together by shared history, loyalty and compassion,” said Cde Ncube.
She urged the bereaved families to draw comfort from the enduring legacy left by their loved ones, saying their service would continue to be remembered by Bulawayo, Highlanders Football Club and the nation.
“As we bid them farewell today, let us cherish their memory, emulate their spirit of service and continue working together to build stronger communities and a stronger nation,” she said.
