HARARE — The South African football community joins its neighbors across the Limpopo in mourning after a devastating road accident claimed the lives of three top officials from Zimbabwean football giants, Highlanders Football Club, on Thursday evening.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) released a heartbreaking statement following the tragedy that took the lives of Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice chairman Fiso Siziba, and treasurer Nkani Khoza as they were returning from a fixture in Kariba.
The tragedy occurred at around 8:00 PM in the Lochard area, approximately 50 kilometers outside Bulawayo along the main Harare highway. The executive trio was traveling in a Ford Raptor when the vehicle struck a cow, causing it to collide head-on with an oncoming bus heading in the opposite direction. In a further tragic turn, a woman traveling with the executives was thrown from the vehicle as it overturned and was struck by another passing car, dying instantly. The club officials were returning home following Highlanders’ 1–0 defeat to ZPC Kariba on Wednesday.
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In a statement released on Friday, ZIFA described the loss as “immeasurable” for Highlanders FC, the city of Bulawayo, and the Zimbabwean football fraternity as a whole. The national association highlighted the trio’s “unwavering commitment, selfless service and leadership,” noting that they made an enduring contribution to one of Southern Africa’s most iconic football institutions. The timing makes the tragedy particularly poignant, as Highlanders FC is currently celebrating its historic centenary year.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that they are devastated by the heartbreaking tragedy and that their thoughts and prayers are with the families of Kenneth Mhlophe, Fiso Siziba, and Nkani Khoza, as well as the entire Highlanders family. He added that 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, but instead, the football family is united in mourning.
The three executives were prominent figures both within football circles and in public life. Chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, a retired army colonel and owner of Nokel Security, was serving his second stint at the helm of the club and had recently announced he would not seek re-election when his term ended in January. Vice chairman Fiso Siziba served as a superintendent in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, while treasurer Nkani Khoza was a respected local businessman and owner of Totally Uniforms, a company specializing in school supplies. The Southern African football family continues to send messages of condolence to the grieving families, Highlanders FC, and Zimbabwean football during this dark hour.
