Highlanders Football Club president Jonathan Themba Mhlanga was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo yesterday. In the picture his casket is lowered
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
MORE than 2 000 people attended the burial of Highlanders Football Club president Jonathan Themba Mhlanga at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo yesterday.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo told mourners that she was saddened with the financial situation at the club.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees Tshinga Dube, Highlanders’ board of directors led by chairman Mgcini Nkolomi, club executive members led by chairman Peter Dube, former players and Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda.
Moyo told mourners that Highlanders were and will remain a part of her.
“Bosso is our club, we will never leave Highlanders, it’s part of us, but it pains me to hear of these huge debts. Something must be done,” said Moyo.
Jonathan Themba Mhlanga
There was an emotional moment when Moyo said Mhlanga must have died a happy man after Highlanders beat old foes Dynamos 2-1 in a league match four days before he passed away.
Zifa vice-president Sibanda, a former Highlanders executive member, said Mhlanga was a unifier and his death had left a huge gap in the system.
“The man we are burying today was a unifier. He did a lot to make sure Highlanders survived, even during critical times. Football can never be the same without Highlanders and Highlanders is what it is today because of people like Mhlanga. Hamba kahle mdala,” said Sibanda.
Mhlanga is survived by wife Marvis, seven children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. — @skhumoyo2000