The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has joined the Zimbabwean football family in mourning the tragic passing of three senior Highlanders Football Club executive committee members who died in a horrific road accident on the evening of 23 July 2026.
In a letter of condolence addressed to ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi, COSAFA expressed “profound shock and immeasurable sadness” at the deaths of Highlanders Chairman Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, Vice Chairman Fiso Siziba, and Treasurer Nkani Khoza on the Harare–Bulawayo Highway.
“These were not merely officials of a football club; they were pillars of our regional football community leaders whose dedication, vision, and passion for the beautiful game inspired countless individuals across Southern Africa,” COSAFA President said.
The regional football body noted that Highlanders, one of Zimbabwe’s most storied and beloved institutions, has been dealt a blow “of immeasurable proportions.”
“The void left by the passing of these three distinguished leaders will be felt not only in Bulawayo and throughout Zimbabwe but across the entire COSAFA region, where their contributions to football were widely respected and admired,” the statement read.
COSAFA extended deepest condolences to: the bereaved families of Colonel Mhlophe, Mr Siziba, and Mr Khoza, Highlanders Football Club, the Zimbabwe Football Association and the entire Zimbabwean football community.
“We share in your grief and stand with you in solidarity during this darkest of hours. May the cherished memories of the departed, their unwavering commitment to the club, their integrity, and their service to football bring comfort to all who mourn their loss,” the letter continued.
COSAFA also offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families.
“May they find solace in the Almighty and may the departed rest in eternal peace.”
The three Highlanders executives died when their Ford Raptor reportedly struck a stray cow along the Gweru-Bulawayo Highway near Lochard before colliding with an oncoming bus. They were returning from Kariba where Highlanders had played ZPC Kariba.
