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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HAD it not been for the late former Highlanders’ manager and chairman Ernest ‘Maphepha’ Sibanda, most footballers that grew up in Mzilikazi and Makokoba suburbs in Bulawayo would have engaged in criminal activities, former Bosso left-back Gift Lunga Jr has said.

Speaking at the funeral service for Sibanda at the Amphitheatre in the city on Saturday morning before his burial at Lady Stanley Cemetery, an emotional Lunga said Maphepha had done more for players than what is in the public domain.

“This man did a lot for us, especially the (Highlanders) Class of 1998. It was more than football when it came to utopi. I can confidently tell you that had it not been for him, some of us would probably be at Khami Maximum Prison now, but thanks to umdala we are what we are now,” said Lunga.

Another member of the Class of ’98 and 2000 Soccer Star of the Year Zenzo Moyo said the late Maphepha taught them the values of life which they still hold dear.

“He encouraged us to have steady families and avoid being led astray by fame. There is a lot that umdala did for us outside football and this is why we also decided to honour him while he was still alive,” said Moyo, who cut his speech short after choking with emotion.

The Class of ’98, which went on a trailblazing run and won four consecutive league titles, launched the Ernest Maphepha Sibanda Junior Football Award in June with Moyo and Lunga representing their colleagues.

Moyo, Thulani Ncube, Bekithemba Ndlovu, Tapuwa Kapini, Joel Luphahla, Noel Kaseke, Simon Sibanda, Alexander Phiri, Lunga Jnr, Mubariki Chisoni, Ndumiso Tsuro Vundla, Amon Chimbalanga, Melusi Sibanda, Sizabantu Khoza and Thabani Masawi are the players that were managed by Maphepha from that crop.

Speaking at the same funeral service, Vungu MP and former Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda challenged the Class of ’98 to organise a national football tournament in memory of Maphepha.

“Maphepha’s legacy must remain forever,” said Sibanda.

No official speaker from Highlanders was given the platform to address mourners.

Co-director of ceremony and radio legend Ezra ‘Tshisa’ Sibanda later revealed that the programme was run according to Maphepha’s wishes.

The funeral service was also attended by Bulawayo Minister of State and Devolution Judith Ncube, Zanu-PF Politburo member and Bosso benefactor Tshinga Dube, Njube-Lobengula MP and suspended Zifa vice-president Gift Banda, Highlanders board member Elkannah Dube, chairman Johnfat Sibanda, treasurer Donald Ndebele and committee member Mgcini Mafu.

Bosso coach Mandla Mpofu, his assistant Bekithemba Ndlovu as well as some former Highlanders players attended the service.