FOOTBALL'S fiercest rivalries often divide supporters on match day, but tragedy has once again reminded Zimbabwe that the beautiful game is one family.
Dynamos FC executive chairman Vincent Chawanza has paid an emotional tribute to three Highlanders FC executives who died in a horrific road traffic accident along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road on Thursday night, describing their deaths as a devastating loss not only for Bosso but for Zimbabwean football.
Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza were killed in the accident, sending shockwaves across the local football fraternity.
In a condolence message, Chawanza said Zimbabwean football had lost experienced administrators whose contributions transcended club loyalties.
"Today we have been robbed. Not only today, but this week is a dark week for Zimbabwean football. We've been robbed of my elders. I would say my elders as a fellow governor, the chairman of Highlanders Football Club, retired chairman, the vice-chairman, my elder brother Fiso Siziba, and also Mr Nkani, the executive committee member responsible for finance," said Chawanza.
He said the trio dedicated their lives to serving Highlanders and the country's football industry.
"As you all know, they've dedicated their lives to the Bosso family and Highlanders Football Club. We've not only lost brothers or elder brothers, but we've lost football brains and very much needed experience for us young administrators," he said.
Chawanza said Dynamos, one of Highlanders' fiercest rivals on the pitch, stood in solidarity with Bosso during the difficult period.
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"Dynamos' family, fans, our board that I'm representing, our executive and all stakeholders at Dynamos, let's join the Highlanders family in mourning these great and gallant sons of the football industry," he said.
He urged Dynamos supporters to attend the funeral proceedings in large numbers as a gesture of unity and respect.
"Let's go in our numbers and be there to emotionally give them a huge send-off," he said.
Chawanza also reflected on the historic bond shared by Zimbabwe's traditional football giants, noting that Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United have long been regarded as the pillars of domestic football.
"Highlanders Football Club is also at the heart of Dynamos because Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United are often mentioned in the same line. Whether we are winning, struggling or fighting relegation, we are always given as reference," he said.
He concluded by offering prayers and condolences to the bereaved families and the entire football community.
"May God comfort everyone in the football family. May God comfort their families. You have all our support."
The deaths of Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza have united the Zimbabwean football fraternity in grief, with clubs, supporters and administrators putting rivalries aside to honour three men whose service helped shape one of the country's most iconic football institutions.
