Highlanders leaders died serving club they loved, says board chair

Highlanders Football Club Board Chairperson Luke Mnkandla has paid an emotional tribute to the three club executives and a devoted supporter who died in a road traffic accident last week, describing them as selfless servants whose commitment to Bosso extended far beyond the football pitch.

Speaking during a memorial service at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday, Mnkandla said the deaths of club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda had left an irreplaceable void in the club.

“I stand here today with a broken heart and a heavy spirit. In one moment, on the road coming back from doing what they loved most, serving this club and the game of football, the club lost not just three officials and one member. We lost fathers, brothers, pillars of our institution and a devoted sister,” Mnkandla said.

Mnkandla said their deaths were especially painful because they occurred while they were carrying out club duties.

“Of note is that our colleagues did not die as individuals. They died together as they lived. They died as a team, coming from a football match, still talking along the way about the next fixture, our young players and how to make this club better in this harsh economic environment,” he said.

Paying tribute to Mhlophe, Mnkandla described him as a humble and visionary leader who quietly steered the club through difficult times.

“Our chairman was a quiet man with a vision. He always remained calm and composed, but beneath that calmness he was constantly pushing the club forward,” he said.

“He always reminded everyone that this club is not just about trophies, but about character. He opened his doors, his phone and even his wallet to those who had nothing. Many times he rescued the team financially without seeking recognition.”

Mnkandla described vice-chairman Siziba as the club’s driving force whose infectious personality united the Highlanders family.

“He was the energy of the club, always busy and radiating happiness. Because of his social nature, he knew virtually every official at fellow clubs, players across the Premier Soccer League and their coaches,” he said.

“He never shied away from meeting members and supporters at the clubhouse after every home match here at our Theatre of Dreams. He was always confident, always positive and made everyone feel welcome.”

He also paid tribute to finance executive Khoza, describing him as the custodian of the club’s finances.

“Our executive committee member responsible for finance was the backbone of the club. Quiet, diligent and never afraid to speak his mind, he managed the club’s resources as though they were his own because, to him, Highlanders was family,” Mnkandla said.

“He will always be remembered for his unwavering confidence and the clarity with which he presented the club’s financial position at executive meetings.”

Mnkandla said while the quartet’s passing had plunged the Highlanders family into mourning, their dedication and sacrifice would continue to inspire generations of Bosso members and supporters.

“They gave everything they had to Highlanders. That is the legacy they leave behind, and it is now our responsibility to carry that vision forward,” he said.