Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S football fraternity came together at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday to pay tribute to four Highlanders Football Club members who died in the Mbembesi road traffic accident, with Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi describing the loss as one shared by the entire game.
Addressing a combined memorial service for Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Nkani Khoza, Sifiso Siziba and Mbalenhle Sibanda, Magwizi said the tragedy had united clubs, supporters and administrators across the country in grief.
“We gather today with hearts that are heavy,” he said. “Barbourfields Stadium has always been a place of passion, pride and celebration…Today, however, this great stadium carries a different emotion. It carries the weight of profound loss.”
Speaking on behalf of ZIFA’s Executive Committee, Secretariat and the wider football community, Magwizi extended condolences to the bereaved families, Highlanders Football Club and the people of Bulawayo.
“Today, we mourn with you. We grieve with you. And today, we stand with you,” he said.
He also thanked President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Government for granting the four victims State-Assisted Funerals, describing the decision as a fitting recognition of lives devoted to service.
“It is a reminder that service to football is service to community, and service to community is service to the nation,” he said.
Magwizi said the tragedy had demonstrated football’s ability to unite people beyond club rivalries.
“We have witnessed supporters from clubs around the country putting rivalries aside. We have seen football administrators, former players, current players, sponsors, government officials and ordinary Zimbabweans united by one purpose – to stand with Highlanders in its darkest hour.
“That is the true spirit of football. That is the Zimbabwe we all believe in.”
Paying tribute to each of the deceased, Magwizi described Colonel Mhlophe as “a man of discipline, honour and unwavering commitment” whose contribution extended beyond Highlanders to serving as Head of Delegation for the Warriors.
“Many of our national team’s successes were made possible by dedicated individuals who worked quietly behind the scenes, and Colonel Mhlophe was one of them. Zimbabwean football salutes his remarkable contribution,” he said.
He said Siziba, Highlanders’ vice-chairman and Warriors security officer, had served the national team with “dedication, professionalism and complete trust”, while Khoza had provided “integrity, accountability and sound leadership” in overseeing the club’s finances.
Magwizi also paid tribute to life member and devoted supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda, saying fans remained central to the game.
“Supporters are the heartbeat of our game. Without them, there is no atmosphere. Without them, there is no inspiration. Today, we honour her loyalty, her passion and her unwavering love for the beautiful game.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the four, the ZIFA president said their impact would endure far beyond their years.
“The measure of a person’s life is not found in the number of years they lived. It is found in the lives they touched. These four individuals touched lives. They gave of themselves. They served faithfully. And they leave behind a legacy that will endure.”
He urged the bereaved families and Highlanders Football Club to draw strength from the solidarity shown by the football community.
“You do not walk this journey alone. The Zimbabwe Football Association stands with you. The football family stands with you. The people of Zimbabwe stand with you.”
Magwizi called on the football fraternity to honour the victims by strengthening unity, compassion and integrity across the game.
“If this tragedy has taught us anything, it is that life is precious, unity is powerful and service leaves a legacy that lives far beyond our time on earth,” he said.
