Highlanders executives killed in highway crash

Highlanders FC chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, and treasurer Nkani Khoza died in a road accident on the Gweru-Bulawayo Highway on Thursday night. A club supporter also perished in the crash as the executives returned from a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba. The Premier Soccer League postponed Highlanders' Sunday fixture against Chicken Inn to allow the club time to mourn. President Emmerson Mnangagwa granted state-assisted funerals to the three officials, announced by Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda during a parliamentary session. ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi described the loss as immeasurable for the club, the city of Bulawayo, and Zimbabwean football. The club appointed an interim leadership structure after an emergency board meeting to ensure operational continuity.