Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Football Association (Zifa) president Nqobile Magwizi has described the late Highlanders officials and supporter who perished in a road traffic accident as selfless servants whose contribution to football will remain woven into the history of the country.
Speaking during the combined send-off ceremony for the four at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday, Magwizi said the deaths of Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman and Warriors security officer Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and Bosso life member and ardent supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda had united the football family in grief.
“You can hear them (supporters) singing, the amount of joy and passion that drives them. This is what Barbourfields represents. Today, however, this great stadium carries a different emotion.
“It carries the weight of profound loss. We have come together to bid farewell to four cherished members of our football family,” said Magwizi.
He extended condolences on behalf of Zifa to the bereaved families, Highlanders and the people of Bulawayo.
“Today we mourn with you, we grieve with you and today we stand with you,” he said.
Magwizi also thanked President Mnangagwa and the Government for according the four state-assisted funerals.
“The decision to accord Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba, Khani Khoza and Mbalenhle Sibanda state-assisted funerals is a fitting recognition of lives devoted to service.
“It is a reminder that service to football is service to community, and service to community is service to the nation,” he said.
The Zifa president said the tragedy had demonstrated football’s ability to unite people beyond club rivalries.
“This tragedy has reminded us that while clubs may compete fiercely on the field, there are moments when the badge on the jersey no longer matters.
“Over the past few days, we have witnessed supporters from clubs around the country putting rivalries aside.
“We have seen football administrators, former players, current players, sponsors, Government officials and ordinary Zimbabweans united by one purpose.
“That is the true spirit of Zimbabwean football.
“That is the Zimbabwe we all believe in.”
Magwizi paid tribute to each of the deceased, describing Mhlophe as a disciplined administrator whose contribution stretched beyond Highlanders to the Warriors.
“Kenneth Mhlophe was a man of discipline, honour and unwavering commitment.
“He gave selflessly to Highlanders Football Club and also served Zimbabwe as head of delegation for the Warriors.
“Many of our national team’s successes were made possible by dedicated individuals who worked quietly behind the scenes, and Mhlophe was one of them. Zimbabwean football salutes his remarkable contribution,” he said.
He said Siziba executed his duties with dedication and professionalism.
“He was not only Highlanders’ vice-chairman but also served as security officer for the Warriors, fulfilling a responsibility that required dedication, professionalism and complete trust.
“His work was rarely seen by the public, but those who travelled with our national team knew the important role he played. Zimbabwean football is grateful for his service.”
On Khoza, Magwizi said the late executive member worked tirelessly for the growth of Highlanders.
“He understood that behind every football institution are individuals willing to work tirelessly, often without recognition, to ensure that the club continues to grow.
“He gave his knowledge, his experience and his talent to the institution he loved.”
Magwizi also recognised the contribution of Sibanda, saying supporters remain the lifeblood of the game.
“She held no executive office. She kept no official title.
“Yet, she was every bit as important to Zimbabwean football.
“She was not only a devoted Highlanders life member, she was also a passionate supporter of the Warriors.
“Supporters are the heartbeat of our game.
“Without them, there is no atmosphere. Without them, there is no inspiration.”
He urged the football fraternity to honour the quartet by preserving the values they stood for.
“As we prepare to lay these four remarkable individuals to rest, let us honour them not only with our tears, but with our actions. Let us continue to build a football family rooted in unity, respect, integrity and compassion.
“Let us continue to look after one another.
“If this tragedy has taught us anything, it is that life is precious, unity is powerful and service leaves a legacy far beyond our time on earth,” said Magwizi.
