BULAWAYO, Jul. 31 (NewsDay Live) — Highlanders have expressed gratitude to the nation, government, football fraternity, sponsors and supporters for the overwhelming support received following the road accident that claimed the lives of chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and club member Mbalenhle Sibanda.
In a statement released yesterday, the Bulawayo giants said they had been deeply touched by the outpouring of solidarity during one of the darkest periods in the club’s 100-year history.
The quartet died in a road traffic accident on July 23, plunging the club and the wider football community into mourning.
“The Patron, President, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Secretariat, Technical Team and Players, Members and Supporters of Highlanders Football Club wish to express the club’s deepest gratitude to all who stood with it during its darkest hour,” the club said.
Highlanders paid special tribute to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his message of condolence and for granting state-assisted status to the deceased.
The club also thanked Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube for supporting the club and bereaved families throughout the mourning period.
Government ministries, including the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, were recognised for providing logistical and coordination support.
The Bulawayo City Council was commended for availing Barbourfields Stadium for the combined memorial service and Lady Stanley Cemetery for the burial of Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza, as well as providing municipal services and logistical assistance.
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Highlanders also acknowledged Zifa, the Premier Soccer League and other sporting organisations for suspending fixtures, issuing messages of solidarity and providing financial and moral support.
The club extended its appreciation to Premier Soccer League and lower division clubs that rallied behind the institution during the difficult period.
Corporate sponsors and business partners were praised for financial contributions and donations, including fuel, food, tents, burial services and other material support that ensured the deceased were laid to rest with dignity.
Those recognised included Sakunda Holdings, CBZ, BancABC, Nyaradzo Life Assurance, Corporate 24, Sanctuary Insurance, Spin City, Apple Connect, Pula Water, Willsgrove and benefactor Wicknell Chivayo.
The club also thanked its members, supporters and the public for their prayers, messages of condolence and donations.
Highlanders reserved special praise for the media, saying coverage across print, radio, television and digital platforms helped mobilise support and enabled the club to honour its fallen leaders.
“Your compassion has reminded us that football is more than a game. It is community, it is family,” the statement said.
As the club begins the healing process, the interim executive committee pledged to honour the memory of the deceased by rebuilding and stabilising Highlanders while upholding the values they championed.
The club confirmed it would proceed with its centenary celebrations, including the Legacy Golf Tribute on August 14, which will also honour Mhlophe, Siziba, Khoza and Sibanda.
Following the tragedy, Highlanders appointed Kindman Ndlovu as acting chairman, board member Elkanah Dube as acting vice-chairman and Matthew Sibindi to oversee the club’s finances on an interim basis.
Highlanders return to league action tomorrow against CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium after last Sunday’s fixture against Chicken Inn was postponed following the deaths of the club officials.
