CONDOLENCES continue to pour in for Highlanders following the tragic death of chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza in a road traffic accident earlier this week.
The latest message of sympathy has come from the Zifa Southern Region, which joined the football fraternity and the nation in mourning the loss of the three club leaders whose deaths have sent shockwaves across Zimbabwean football.
In a statement, Zifa Southern Region described the trio as dedicated custodians of one of the country's most historic football institutions and acknowledged the role they played in steering the club during a challenging period.
"We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families of the departed, the wider Highlanders Football Club family, Southern Region and the nation at large," the regional body said.
The association noted that Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza accepted the responsibility of leading Highlanders at a difficult time and worked tirelessly to restore stability, sound governance and confidence within the club.
Zifa Southern Region also said the tragedy had cast a shadow over a year in which Highlanders are celebrating their centenary.
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"It is disheartening the tragedy occurred in a year the club is celebrating 100 years of existence. The loss has left a stain in this historic year," the statement read.
The regional football body has a close relationship with Highlanders through Bosso90, the club's developmental side which competes in the Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League.
Zifa Southern Region chairman Cris Mtungwazi paid tribute to the departed executives, describing them as leaders who served with distinction and humility.
"Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza led with dignity, humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility not only at Highlanders but in the wider Southern Region football community," Mtungwazi said.
"In honour of the departed, we will be observing a minute of silence at each Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League match that will be played during Week 19 this weekend.
"Their commitment helped steady one of our country's greatest football institutions and their contribution to the broader football family will never be forgotten. On behalf of the Zifa Southern Region board, our member clubs and the entire football community, we convey our heartfelt condolences to their families."
Messages of condolence have continued to stream in from across the football landscape, with the Premier Soccer League, the Zimbabwe Football Association, Caps United and several clubs and stakeholders paying tribute to the late executives.
The deaths of Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza have left Highlanders and the wider football community in mourning, prompting a wave of solidarity as the country remembers three administrators who dedicated their lives to the growth and development of the game.