Story by Chiedza Nyabadza
Senior Reporter
Highlanders Football Club’s 100th anniversary year has been overshadowed by a series of mourning, plunging one of Zimbabwe’s biggest clubs into crisis.
Founded in 1926, Bosso entered its centenary campaign with expectations of celebration.
Instead, the Bulawayo giants have spent the year in mourning.
On the evening of July 23, Highlanders chairman Rtd Col. Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, and treasurer Nkani Khoza were killed in a road traffic accident along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, 60km outside Bulawayo.
Their vehicle struck a stray cow and veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with a passenger bus.
Along with these ,club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda also died in the crash as the group returned from a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture against ZPC Kariba.
Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi described the loss as a major loss to the club.
“It is very painful that this loss comes during Highlanders’ centenary year, a time that should have been filled with celebration and reflection on a remarkable legacy,” he said.
The government granted state-assisted funeral status to the deceased and availed Barbourfields Stadium for a combined memorial service and Lady Stanley Cemetery for the burials.
Further grief followed in August with the deaths of long-serving finance officer Sihlalisiwe Mnkandla and club elder Jimmy Ncube.
Despite the setbacks, the club noted an outpouring of solidarity from government, sponsors, and rival supporters.
Dynamos mourned with Highlanders , Caps United mourned with Highlanders.
Furthermore, Bosso recently said its final goodbye to one of its most respected elders, Jimmy Ncube, as family, friends, football officials and Bulawayo residents gathered to honour a man whose life was closely intertwined with both the city and the club he loved.
Ncube, who died on Tuesday night at the age of 90 after battling ill health, was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo.
He was buried in a section reserved for eminent citizens who made outstanding contributions to the city, joining other distinguished Highlanders figures such as Tymon Mabaleka, Willard Khumalo and Barry Daka.
His passing marks the end of a life dedicated to public service and football, leaving behind a legacy that stretches from the offices of the Bulawayo City Council to the corridors of Highlanders Football Club.
Speaking during the funeral service, Bulawayo City Council representative Jerry Sibanda paid tribute to Ncube’s long and distinguished career in local government.
His remarks reflected the sadness that has engulfed the club following the deaths of several senior figures.
As if it is not enoungh,six Highlanders Football Club supporters have died and four others were injured after the Nissan NV350 Caravan they were travelling in rammed into the rear of a tipper truck near Amazon, a few kilometres outside Filabusi, yesterday.
The accident occurred as the group was also returning from a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.
Police said the driver of the 14-seater failed to keep a safe distance and crashed into the back of the truck.
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, confirmed the accident.
“The deceased and the injured were ferried to United Bulawayo Hospitals.
“The identities of the deceased are being withheld until next of kin have been notified,” he said.
Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.
