Highlanders hold emotional farewell for executives, supporter killed in crash

Highlanders Football Club is today holding a combined memorial and send-off service at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo for three senior club executives and a devoted supporter who died in a tragic road accident last Thursday.

The ceremony honours club chairman, retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, executive committee member responsible for finance Nkani Khoza, and supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda.

Thousands of mourners, including football fans, former players, club officials, government representatives and members of the public, are expected to gather at the iconic stadium to pay their final respects. Gates opened at 7am, while the main memorial service began at 9am. As part of the proceedings, the bodies of the four victims are being paraded around Barbourfields Stadium, giving supporters an opportunity to bid a final farewell to those who dedicated their lives to the club.

Acting Highlanders chairman Kindman Ndlovu invited football supporters and the general public to attend the service in solidarity with the bereaved families and the club during one of its darkest moments.

The four victims lost their lives in a horrific accident near Mbembesi, about 60 kilometres outside Bulawayo along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, while returning from Kariba where Highlanders had played ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe's football fraternity, prompting the Premier Soccer League to postpone Highlanders' scheduled weekend fixture against Chicken Inn FC.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the accident a national tragedy and granted all four victims state-assisted funerals in recognition of their immense contribution to Zimbabwean football and sport.

Following today's memorial service, Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza will be laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo later today. Kenneth Mhlophe will be buried at the same cemetery on Tuesday, while Mbalenhle Sibanda will be buried in Filabusi.

The memorial service marks a solemn chapter in Highlanders' history as the club, its supporters and the nation come together to honour the lives of four individuals whose commitment and service left an enduring legacy in Zimbabwean football.