Zimbabwean football is mourning the deaths of Highlanders Football Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe , vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani...
HARARE — Zimbabwean football is mourning the deaths of Highlanders Football Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza, who were killed in a road traffic accident on Thursday while returning from the club’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba.
The three senior club officials were travelling back to Bulawayo after Highlanders’ league fixture in Kariba when the accident occurred near Lochard, about 50 kilometres outside Bulawayo.
According to preliminary reports, the vehicle carrying the executives allegedly struck a cow before colliding head-on with an oncoming bus. A female passenger travelling with them also died in the crash.
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Police investigations into the cause of the accident are continuing.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through Zimbabwean football, with Highlanders losing three members of its executive leadership in a single incident.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) described the tragedy as a devastating loss for Highlanders, Bulawayo and the country’s football fraternity.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased, Highlanders Football Club and the wider football community following the accident.
The tragedy comes during a significant year for Highlanders as the club commemorates its centenary, marking 100 years since its establishment.
Highlanders, popularly known as Bosso, are one of Zimbabwe’s most successful and historic football clubs, with a large following across the country.
Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from football clubs, supporters and stakeholders, many paying tribute to the contribution made by Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza to the administration and development of Highlanders Football Club.
Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations into the fatal crash continue.
