Highlanders Football Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza have died in a road traffic accident while returning from the club’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba.
The three were travelling in a Ford Ranger Raptor on Thursday night when the vehicle was involved in a crash at Lochard, about 50km along the Bulawayo-Harare highway.
According to reports, the vehicle hit a cow before sideswiping an oncoming bus. It then overturned after the driver lost control.
Police had not released an official statement on the crash or confirmed its cause by the time of publication.
On this topic
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed the deaths on Friday, describing them as a major loss to Highlanders, Bulawayo and Zimbabwean football.
“This is an immeasurable loss for Highlanders Football Club, the city of Bulawayo, and the Zimbabwean football family,” ZIFA said in a statement.
The association said Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza had made “an enduring contribution” to one of Zimbabwe’s oldest and most successful football clubs through their commitment, service and leadership.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said the deaths were particularly painful because they came during Highlanders’ centenary year.
“Today, Zimbabwean football has lost three devoted servants whose passion and commitment helped shape one of our nation’s greatest football institutions,” Magwizi said.
“We are devastated by this heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Kenneth Mhlophe, Fiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza, as well as the entire Highlanders family.”
He added: “It is especially painful that this loss comes during Highlanders’ centenary year, a time that should have been filled with celebration and reflection on a remarkable legacy. Instead, the football family is united in mourning.”
ZIFA said it stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Highlanders and the wider football community, extending condolences to the families of the deceased, the club’s executive committee, players, technical staff, members and supporters.
The deaths come as Highlanders Football Club marks its 100th anniversary, with commemorations planned throughout the year.
Leave a Reply