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Peter Phiri Sports Correspondent
MATABELELAND South Governor and Resident Minister Angeline Masuku was among the key speakers in Bulawayo yesterday at the funeral of Mackenzie Sibanda where she consoled the family on the loss of the former Highlanders player, administrator and coach. She addressed almost 1 400 mourners at Macdonald Hall.

‘‘I am urging Sibanda’s widow to put everything in the hands of the Lord. She must continue looking after football players whom her husband looked after. One day my grandchild heard me singing a song about Highlanders and was surprised. He said ‘Gogo why are you singing that song’, and I said

I love Highlanders,’’ said Masuku.

She urged the youths to respect their elders and people in general.

‘‘Our youths must respect their elders and people in general. The bible says you will know them by their works and Sibanda’s works are there for everyone to see. His good works are following him and today (yesterday) we are celebrating his works. I am standing here as a daughter of Bulawayo celebrating the life of Sibanda,’’ she said

Sibanda was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery yesterday.

A Bulawayo City Councillor since 2008, Sibanda passed on at the United Bulawayo Hospitals after complaining of breathing problems.

About 1 400 people bade farewell to Sibanda who is credited with laying a solid foundation for the Highlanders junior policy which churned several football stars.

David Mbawula and the legendary Ali ‘‘Baba’’ Dube later carried on with this junior football legacy with equal success.

Sibanda was born in Emakhandeni now Fort Rixon where he started his schooling before completing his Standard Six in Bulawayo.

He joined Highlanders in 1953 playing as a goalkeeper and later switched to midfield where he featured for all of Bosso’s first three teams. He briefly left Highlanders to join Cobras FC leaving Bosso with virtually junior players but later made a change of heart and returned to the club.

His Mzilikazi house was the meeting point for Highlanders players and officials before proceeding to Barbourfields for matches. His football prowess was noticed as he caught the attention of Red Army, a Bulawayo select team which played in the Osborne Trophy.

Mayor for Bulawayo, Thaba Moyo described Sibanda as a hard worker and who used to juggle between council work and football.

‘‘Sibanda joined the Bulawayo City Council aged 75 and was a hard worker who used to juggle council work and football. How many people can work 24 hours a day like him?’’ asked Moyo.

Besides football Sibanda served under various council committees which included the Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee, Future Water and Water Action Committee and the Health, Housing and Education Committee among others.