Sports Correspondent
The football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of three senior Highlanders Football Club executives in a tragic road accident along the Gweru-Bulawayo Road.
Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza were among four people killed when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a fatal crash as they returned to Bulawayo from Kariba.
The trio had travelled to Nyamhunga Stadium where Highlanders, popularly known as Bosso, had taken on ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter.
A female passenger whose identity had not been released also died in the accident.
The tragedy occurred just hours after Highlanders suffered a 1-0 defeat to ZPC Kariba, turning what had already been a disappointing day on the field into one of the darkest moments in the club’s history.
News of the accident sent shockwaves across the football community, with messages of condolence pouring in from supporters, clubs, football administrators and other stakeholders.
The deaths leave a huge void in the Highlanders leadership structure, with Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza playing key roles in the administration and strategic direction of one of Zimbabwe’s most successful and widely supported football clubs.
Highlanders, founded in 1926, is one of the country’s football giants and boasts a passionate following across Zimbabwe and beyond.
As news of the tragedy spread, supporters gathered on social media to pay tribute to the deceased officials, describing them as dedicated servants of the club who worked tirelessly for the welfare and growth of Bosso.
