Story by Online Reporter
THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has postponed Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture between Highlanders FC and Chicken Inn FC following the deaths of three senior Highlanders Football Club executive members in a road traffic accident.
The match, which had been scheduled for Sunday, 26 July, was postponed following the deaths of PSL Vice Chairman and Highlanders Chairman, Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Highlanders Vice Chairman Sifiso Siziba and the club’s Treasurer, Nkani Khoza.
In a statement, the PSL said the postponement was made as a mark of respect for the three football administrators, whose deaths have sent shockwaves across the local football fraternity.
“The Premier Soccer League advises all stakeholders that the Castle Lager PSL fixture between Highlanders FC and Chicken Inn FC scheduled for Sunday, 26 July 2026, has been postponed following the passing of PSL Vice Chairman, Rd. Col. Kenneth Mhlophe, Highlanders FC Vice Chairman, Sifiso Siziba and Treasurer, Nkani Khoza,” the league said.
The PSL also called on clubs and football stakeholders to observe a minute of silence before the commencement of all Matchday 25 fixtures and requested all participating clubs to wear black armbands during the weekend’s matches in honour of the deceased.
“We call upon all clubs and football stakeholders to officially observe a moment of silence in respect and honour of their legacy before the commencement of all Matchday 25 fixtures. All clubs are requested to participate in this tribute by wearing black armbands during the weekend matches,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) described the deaths of the three Highlanders executive members as an immeasurable loss to both the Bulawayo giants and Zimbabwean football.
In a statement, ZIFA said the trio’s dedication, leadership and selfless service had left an enduring legacy at one of the country’s most celebrated football clubs.
“This is an immeasurable loss for Highlanders Football Club, the city of Bulawayo and the Zimbabwean football family. Their unwavering commitment, selfless service and leadership made an enduring contribution to one of the country’s most iconic football institutions,” ZIFA said.
The association noted that the tragedy had struck at a particularly painful time, as Highlanders FC commemorates its centenary year.
“The tragedy is made even more heartbreaking by its timing. As Highlanders Football Club commemorates its centenary year – a landmark occasion meant to celebrate a century of excellence, resilience and pride – the Bosso family has instead been plunged into profound grief,” the association said.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi paid tribute to the three administrators, describing them as devoted servants of Zimbabwean football.
“Today, Zimbabwean football has lost three devoted servants whose passion and commitment helped shape one of our nation’s greatest football institutions. 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,” said Magwizi.
“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. We pray that God grants comfort, strength and peace to every grieving heart, and may the souls of our departed brothers rest in eternal peace.”
ZIFA extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the Highlanders executive committee, players, technical team, members and supporters, saying it stood in solidarity with the club and the wider football community during this difficult period.
The deaths of Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza have cast a sombre mood over Zimbabwean football, with clubs and supporters expected to pay tribute to the three administrators during this weekend’s Premier Soccer League fixtures.
