By Flata Kavinga
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted State-assisted funerals to four members of Highlanders Football Club who died in a road traffic accident while returning from a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match in Kariba.
The beneficiaries are Highlanders executive committee members Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza, as well as club member Mbalenhle Sibanda.
In a statement, Highlanders Football Club expressed gratitude for the Government’s decision to accord the four State-assisted funerals.
“Highlanders Football Club acknowledges with profound gratitude the decision by His Excellency, President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, to grant State-assisted funerals to our late executive committee members, Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza, as well as our beloved Club member, Mbalenhle Sibanda,” the club said.
The four died in a road traffic accident on Thursday evening while travelling back from Kariba after Highlanders’ Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture.
The crash sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s football fraternity, with messages of condolence pouring in from football stakeholders, supporters and other organisations mourning the loss of the long-serving club officials and member.
Funeral arrangements for the four were expected to be announced by their families and the club.
The victims were travelling from Kariba to Bulawayo after attending Highlanders’ Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match when the fatal road traffic accident occurred on Thursday evening. Authorities confirmed the fatalities, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash were underway at the time.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) also expressed its condolences, describing the deaths as a devastating loss to Zimbabwean football.
In a statement, the PSL said it was deeply saddened by the tragic accident and extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Highlanders Football Club and the entire football fraternity.
“The Premier Soccer League stands in solidarity with Highlanders Football Club during this difficult time and shares in the grief of losing dedicated servants of the game,” the league said.
