BULAWAYO, Aug. 19 (NewsDay Live) — Highlanders Football Club has been plunged into mourning following the death of veteran administrator and club patron Jimmy Ncube, who passed away at midnight yesterday at the United Bulawayo Hospitals.
Ncube, one of the club’s longest-serving board members and a respected figure in Zimbabwean football administration, died just weeks after the Bulawayo giants lost three senior officials and a devoted supporter in a tragic road traffic accident.
In a statement, Highlanders’ interim executive committee described Ncube as a “bedrock” of the institution whose contribution spanned decades, saying his wisdom, strategic vision and passion helped shape the club into one of the country’s most iconic football brands.
His death comes at a particularly painful moment for Bosso, who are marking their centenary year under the shadow of successive bereavements that have shaken the club’s leadership and supporter base.
On July 23, Highlanders chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, executive committee member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza and club member Mbalenhle Sibanda died in a road accident along the Harare–Bulawayo Highway while returning from a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba.
The quartet were travelling from Kariba when their vehicle was involved in a fatal crash, in what the club described as one of the darkest moments in its history. The tragedy forced Highlanders to suspend centenary celebrations as it went into mourning.
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A joint memorial service was later held at Barbourfields Stadium, while Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza were accorded State-assisted funerals in recognition of their service to football and the nation.
Ncube’s passing now adds another prominent name to the growing list of losses suffered by the club during what was meant to be a landmark year.
According to Highlanders’ historical records, Ncube played a key role in the club’s development and was part of the leadership that oversaw the removal of the “Matabeleland” tag from its name in the 1970s.
He was serving as board secretary at the time and was among officials who engaged with the late nationalist leader Joshua Nkomo during efforts to stabilise football administration in Bulawayo.
Highlanders said Ncube’s influence extended far beyond boardroom duties.
“He was a mentor, a father figure, and a cherished friend to generations of players, coaches, and administrators,” the club said.
The club added that his commitment to youth development and community engagement helped anchor Highlanders in its core values of integrity, unity and excellence.
Ncube’s death also comes as the club continues to recover from the loss of senior officials who played critical roles in its administration.
Mhlophe, who also served as vice-chairman of the Premier Soccer League, was in his second stint as Highlanders chairman, while Siziba and Khoza were central to the executive leadership during a period marked by financial and administrative challenges.
Khoza had been responsible for finance at a time when the club was navigating significant economic pressures, while Mhlophe and Siziba provided leadership stability during a turbulent phase.
The deaths of the trio and Sibanda had already united the football fraternity in grief, with traditional rivals Dynamos among those who paid tribute to the fallen Bosso leaders.
For Highlanders, Ncube’s passing represents yet another painful blow to an institution reflecting on its legacy, history and uncertain future during its centenary year.
The club said funeral and memorial arrangements for Ncube would be announced in consultation with his family.
“His presence in the boardroom and his warm, encouraging words on the sidelines will be desperately missed,” Highlanders said.
The club extended its condolences to the Ncube family, friends and all who knew him, while appealing for privacy as the family mourns.
For a club that has endured a century of triumphs and challenges, the succession of deaths has left Highlanders facing one of the most difficult chapters in its history.