The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has joined the nation in mourning Highlanders Football Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza, who died in a road accident on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday, ZIFA said the death of the three officials was an immeasurable loss for Highlanders, the city of Bulawayo and the Zimbabwean football family at large.
“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 said the tragedy was made even more heartbreaking by its timing, coming as Highlanders marks its centenary year.
“As Highlanders Football Club commemorates its centenary year – a landmark occasion meant to celebrate a century of excellence, resilience and pride – the Bosso family has instead been plunged into profound grief,” ZIFA said.
The three executives died in Lochard, about 50km from Bulawayo, while returning from Kariba, where Highlanders had lost 1-0 to ZPC Kariba in a league match.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said Zimbabwean football had lost three devoted servants whose passion and commitment helped shape one of the nation’s greatest football institutions.
“Today, Zimbabwean football has lost three devoted servants whose passion and commitment helped shape one of our nation’s greatest football institutions. 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,” Magwizi said.
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. We pray that God grants comfort, strength and peace to every grieving heart, and may the souls of our departed brothers rest in eternal peace.”
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