Fungai Muderere
IT’S just but tear-jerking and it’s agreed, a true gentleman of the game is gone!
The late Highlanders chief executive officer Sihlangu Dlodlo will be laid to rest at Bulawayo’s Lady Stanley Cemetery on Saturday.
The local football fraternity, in its diversity form, reacted to the death of Dlodlo who died at the age of 60, with shock.
He was found dead at his place in Nketa 9 in Bulawayo on Monday evening.
This was after concerned colleagues forced entry when he had not been heard of since Saturday evening.
On Thursday, his Worship the Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, Councillors paid their respect to the Dlodlo family.
Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe said: “Our organisation is mourning the loss of an exceptional leader, colleague and friend. As such, Highlanders extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and all those affected by his heart wrenching news”
Dynamos chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze said Dlodlo’s demise is difficult to accept.
“It will take a long time for the football family to accept. Death is a cruel mthief who leaves in his stealthily trail, unbearable pain and solitude. We pray that the Dlodlo family will draw solace from the fact that Mpangazitha was a larger-than-life character who always dedicated his all to leaving a mark in whatever he did. With Highlanders only 24 months away from historic centenary celebrations set for 2026, may we have a special place reserved for Sihlangu Dlodlo in the annals of the oldest club in Zimbabwe as we celebrate the 100th mark,” said Mashingaidze.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) said it had learnt with deep sadness of the untimely passing on of Bosso’s head of secretariat.
“He was a dedicated leader who served the football community with passion, commitment and integrity. We will always cherish his immense contribution to Zimbabwean football and his unwavering love for his club,” said PSL.
Zifa said Dlodlo’s departure leaves a big gap in Zimbabwean football.
“It is with profound sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences on the sudden and unexpected passing of Mr Sihlangu Dlodlo. His departure leaves an irreplaceable void not only in Highlanders Football Club but also within the entire Zimbabwean football family.
The late Dlodlo was appointed Bosso head of secretariat in April to replace Ronald Moyo who opted against renewing his contract with the Bulawayo giants.
He is a former Premier Soccer League secretary-general and ex-Bantu Rovers general manager.
Before his appointment at Highlanders, Dlodlo was the general manager at Kings and Queens Funeral Services, a position he held from November last year and had also been a sales and marketing executive at the company.
The late Sihlangu, who also worked at Innscor Africa’s as sales marketing manager, was also a veteran arts administrator who enjoyed a good working relationship with the now also departed Cont Mhlanga at Amakhosi Cultural Centre.
He was also praised with many breakthrough strategies that led to Amakhosi’s emergence as a powerhouse on the arts scene in the 90s.
