HIGHLANDERS Football Club chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza died in a road traffic accident on Monday evening while returning from the club’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed the deaths, describing the tragedy as a devastating blow to Zimbabwean football.
The accident occurred at around 7.34pm. Police had not released details on the cause of the crash at the time of publication. Reports also indicated that another man and a woman died in the accident.
The Bosso executives were travelling back from Kariba, where Highlanders had suffered a 1-0 defeat to ZPC Kariba on Sunday.
In a brief statement, the PSL expressed its condolences.
“The PSL mourns the passing of Vice Chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, and Highlanders FC executives Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” the league said.
ZIFA said the deaths had robbed Zimbabwean football of three dedicated administrators whose leadership had made a lasting contribution to one of the country’s biggest clubs.
“This is an immeasurable loss for Highlanders Football Club, the city of Bulawayo and the Zimbabwean football family. Their unwavering commitment, selfless service and leadership made an enduring contribution to one of the country’s most iconic football institutions,” ZIFA said.
The association noted that the tragedy had struck during Highlanders’ centenary celebrations, turning what should have been a historic year into one of mourning.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said the football fraternity had lost three committed servants of the game.
“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, Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza, as well as the entire Highlanders family.”
“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.”
Highlanders are one of Zimbabwe’s oldest and most successful football clubs, and the deaths of three senior executive members are expected to cast a shadow over the remainder of their centenary commemorations.
Police were expected to release further details after completing investigations into the accident.
