Story by Mthokozisi Dube
HIGHLANDERS Football Club chairperson, Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo, with the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) leading the funeral in honour of the distinguished military officer.
The farewell began at Imbizo Barracks, where serving and retired military personnel, football administrators, family members and friends gathered to pay tribute to the former senior army officer before his final journey to the cemetery.
Speaker after speaker described Colonel Mhlophe as a humble, disciplined and visionary leader whose influence extended beyond the military into football and the business community.
One mourner recalled his unwavering support for Highlanders.
“I worked with the late chairman when I was chairperson of Highlanders Royals. He was always our go-to person. At Barbourfields we shared a seat, and I really don’t know how we will cope in his absence.”
Another highlighted his commitment to developing young players.
“I served in Highlanders’ football committee from the junior teams right up to the senior side. He always supported our junior development programmes with resources. He first contested for the vice-chairmanship but was unsuccessful before eventually winning on his second attempt.”
A former colleague also reflected on serving under Colonel Mhlophe in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the shock of coming across the scene of the fatal accident.
“I first met Colonel Mhlophe during our deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was our commander. We later reunited through football. On the day of the accident, I unknowingly came upon the crash scene. I recognised his vehicle immediately because I had driven it before. I am devastated and still in shock.”
Delivering the obituary, Zimbabwe National Army Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff, Major General Simo Maseko, described Colonel Mhlophe as an exemplary soldier and leader.
“On behalf of the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the Commander Zimbabwe National Army and the entire Zimbabwe National Army family, we extend our heartfelt condolences. Today we mourn a great son of the soil, a father, a respected businessman and a dedicated senior officer. He was professional in his conduct and leaves behind an enduring legacy in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, in football and in business.”
Colonel (Retired) Mhlophe was buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery alongside other Highlanders greats, including Rahman Gumbo, Majuta Mpofu, Adam Ndlovu, Nkani Khoza and Fiso Siziba.
Born on January 6, 1956, Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe is survived by his wife, Chipo Sibanda, two sons and a daughter.
