By Rex Mphisa
ZIMBABWE’S Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anseleem Sanyatwe has said the death of Highlanders executives in an accident is a national loss and Government will soon issue a statement.
Highlanders Football Club chairman Rtd. Col. Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice Chairman, Sifiso Siziba, and Executive Committee Member Finance, Nkani Khoza perished in a pile-up accident 50 kilometres outside Bulawayo on Thursday night.
The accident also claimed the life of a woman passenger.
“This news is devastating. It is the loss of the country as a whole, Highlanders is not an ordinary football team, it is a culture, it is an institution and we have dispatched senior officials to the families of the deceased before we come up with a statement not just as a ministry but as the Government ably led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” said Sanyatwe.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network Sanyatwe said he learnt with a deep sense of sorrow and sadness about the accident and had immediately assigned teams to the ground.
“On our May Day celebrations in Bulawayo Highlanders Football Club had a stand and chairman Mhlope came to te podium where he greeted his Excellency President Mnangagwa. Highlanders is not an ordinary team, it represents a culture of Bulawayo and Matabeleland we are proud of. It is like Dynamos, Caps United, these strong crowd pullers which have never disintegrated. Highlanders remains intact and this is because of this type of leadership,” he said.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Zimbabweans and the soccer loving people of the country. I followed this on social groups as it unfolded and I was pained by this loss which is huge. We will son issue a press statement as a ministry,” he said.
Highlanders FC also issued a statement confirming its loss yesterday.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that Highlanders Football Club confirms the untimely passing of our beloved Club Chairman, Rtd. Col. Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice Chairman, Sifiso Siziba, and Executive Committee Member Finance, Nkani Khoza,” said the statement.
“Our three esteemed club officials tragically lost their lives in a road accident while returning from our league fixture against ZPC Kariba on Thursday evening, 23 July 2026.”
“They were far more than club officials. They were the architects of the Club’s vision, the guardians of our values, and father figures to so many within the Highlanders Football Club family. Their leadership, wisdom, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Bosso will never be forgotten.
“We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, the football fraternity, our members, supporters, and everyone whose lives they touched. We ask that you keep the bereaved families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
“Further details regarding funeral arrangements and other official matters will be communicated in due course.
“Rest in peace and power, our leaders. Your legacy will live on forever in the heart of Highlanders Football Club,” said Highlanders Football Club.
Messages of condolences have started pouring in from four corners of the globe.