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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter 

The success story of Highlanders Football club is incomplete without mentioning Ernest Maphepha Sibanda’s and his death has left football poorer without him.

In his condolence message following the death of the charismatic former Highlanders player, manager and chairman, Highlanders supremo Johnfat Sibanda said while Maphepha loved football generally, there was no doubt that he passionately loved Highlanders.

“A very charismatic and jovial character from his playing days in the 1980s, when he served as the club’s Welfare Manager between 1998 and 2002, to when he served as the Club’s Executive Chairman and led Highlanders to their last Championship in 2006.

While he made a name for himself through his exploits in the field of play, it is when he became the Welfare Manager where he won the hearts of many football followers, particularly Highlanders F.C fans though his magnetic character and his successful and trophy laden managerial stint as the Welfare Manager and Executive Chairman between 1998 and 2006.

During his managerial days, he was a manager par excellence for the Club and the national team as he became a father figure to the players he managed,” said Sibanda.

In his condolence message too, Bulawayo City FC chairman Jerry Sibanda said Maphepha’s legacy will continually shine for years to come. Maphepha was a Byo City FC board member.

“The Board, Executive, Technical team, Secretariat, players and BCFC family would like to express their heartfelt condolences to the Sibanda family, friends and football fraternities for the loss of their Father, friend and mentor Ernest Maphepha Sibanda. A great man not only in football but in life. He touched and mentored so many great footballers and supporters and leaves a legacy that will shine continually for years to come,” said Jerry.

The National Darts Association of Zimbabwe (Ndaz) has also expressed shock at the passing on of Sibanda.

Sibanda was an influential member of one of the top darts sides in the country Archers.

Ndaz president Meynard Moyo described Sibanda’s death as ‘unfortunate’ for the sports fraternity.

“Highly unfortunate we lost Sibanda. It’s tough. Difficult to replace such a sports loving person. So humble he was,” said Moyo.

Sibanda left behind seven children,  five girls and two boys.

Mourners are gathered at House Number E259  Njube.