Kaizer Chiefs and Scottland FC joined the football fraternity in mourning after holding a moment of silence before their Toyota Cup Challenge match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
The tribute was held in honour of Highlanders Football Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza, who died in a tragic road accident in Zimbabwe on Thursday evening.
Highlanders officials killed in tragic road accident
The three Highlanders officials were killed while travelling back from Kariba, where the Bulawayo giants had suffered a 1-0 defeat against ZPC Kariba on Wednesday.
According to reports, the officials were travelling in a Ford Raptor when the vehicle struck a cow at around 8pm in Lochard, approximately 50km outside Bulawayo along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.
The vehicle later collided with a bus travelling in the opposite direction, resulting in the deaths of the three club officials.
A woman who was travelling with the Highlanders executives was thrown from the vehicle when it overturned and was subsequently hit by another car, killing her instantly.
The deaths of Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza sent shockwaves through Zimbabwean football, with tributes pouring in from across the sporting community.
The trio were returning from Kariba after supporting Highlanders in their league fixture, with their deaths coming at a significant moment in the club’s history as it celebrates its centenary year.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) described the loss as “immeasurable” for Highlanders, the city of Bulawayo and Zimbabwean football as a whole.
The association said the three officials’ “unwavering commitment, selfless service and leadership made an enduring contribution to one of the country’s most iconic football institutions.”
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said the football community had lost three dedicated leaders whose passion helped shape Highlanders.
“We are devastated by this heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Kenneth Mhlophe, Fiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza, as well as the entire Highlanders family,” Magwizi said.
He added that the timing of the tragedy was particularly painful as Highlanders celebrates its 100th anniversary.
“It is especially painful that this loss comes during Highlanders’ centenary year, a time that should have been filled with celebration and reflection on a remarkable legacy. Instead, the football family is united in mourning.”
Kaizer Chiefs and Scottland FC honour Highlanders trio
The moment of silence at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium before the Toyota Cup clash showed the unity of the football community across borders.
Kaizer Chiefs, Scottland FC and supporters paused to remember the Highlanders officials, whose contribution to Zimbabwean football left a lasting legacy.
The tribute highlighted the strong ties between clubs in the region, with the football fraternity coming together during a time of grief.
