The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) has joined the growing chorus of condolences following the tragic death of three Highlanders Football Club executive members in a road accident last week.
In a condolence message addressed to Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) president Nqobile Magwizi, Cosafa expressed profound shock and sadness over the loss of Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza, who died in a road accident along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway on the Thursday evening.
The regional football body described the deceased administrators as pillars of the football community whose dedication, vision and passion for the game had inspired many people across Southern Africa.
"It is with profound shock and immeasurable sadness that the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations has learned of the tragic and untimely passing of three senior executive members of Highlanders Football Club, who lost their lives in a horrific road accident," Cosafa said.
"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 said the deaths represented a devastating loss not only for Highlanders, but for football across the region.
"Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the enormity of this loss. Highlanders Football Club, 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 regional body extended its condolences to the bereaved families, Highlanders, Zifa and the entire Zimbabwean football fraternity.
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"On behalf of the entire Cosafa family, I extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the bereaved families of Mhlophe, Siziba and l 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."
Since news of the tragedy broke, condolences have continued to pour in from across the football world, with local clubs, football governing bodies and civic leaders paying tribute to the three executives for their contribution to Highlanders and Zimbabwean football.
The accident also claimed the life of Highlanders member and supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda, whose death has further deepened the grief within the Bosso family.
The Premier Soccer League has since postponed Highlanders' Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture against Chicken Inn, while football stakeholders across the country continue to mourn one of the darkest moments in the club's history.
