Highlanders fans return emotionally to Barbourfields for Chibuku Cup

Highlanders supporters returned to Barbourfields Stadium for a Chibuku Super Cup meeting with Chicken Inn after five people linked to the club died in three weeks. Highlanders are seventh in the 2026 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League with 37 points from 25 matches, including eight wins, 13 draws and four defeats.

The return carried particular emotional weight because fans had not watched their team at the Bulawayo venue since the deaths. Those who died were Highlanders chairman Colonel (Rtd) Kenneth Mhlophe, treasurer Nkani Khoza, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda and finance officer Sihlalisiwe Mnkandla.

Mhlophe, Khoza, Siziba and Sibanda died in a road accident on 23 July along the Bulawayo-Harare Road. The crash occurred at the 60-kilometre mark. Mnkandla was the club’s office employee and finance officer, while the other four victims included three executive members and a supporter.

The four people killed in the accident were later taken through Barbourfields during a memorial service. They were subsequently buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery and Filabusi on separate days. The occasion left the stadium closely associated with the club’s period of mourning before supporters returned for football.

Several fans said they wanted a Highlanders victory to be dedicated to the five fallen members of the Bosso family. Their team had entered the fixture with two wins, two draws and one defeat in its previous five league matches. Highlanders had beaten Scotland Mabvuku 1-0 and MWOS 2-1, drawn 1-1 with Platinum FC and Simba Bhora, and lost 1-0 away to Kariba.

Highlanders’ league campaign has produced 23 goals and 19 conceded across 25 matches. The club’s next listed league fixture is also against Chicken Inn, scheduled for 19 August 2026.