HIGHLANDERS chief executive officer Sihlangu Dlodlo posted a spooky post on Facebook two weeks ago, which has sent shock waves among colleagues and fans, following his untimely death under unclear circumstances.
Dlodlo (60) was last seen on Saturday night on his way home only for his lifeless body to be discovered on Monday evening at his house in Nketa after he had not responded to calls on is mobile number.
On October 16, Dlodlo posted a statement which foretold his death and left his followers puzzled whether his passing was suicide, foul play or natural causes.
The statement was written in Ndebele and loosely translated it says: “One nice way of ending drama and nonsense at funerals is to just die alone in the house . . . just rot for a week or so and neighbours witness green flies by the window and not know how to contact your relatives and police collect your body in a metal coffin and open truck and hopefully, take you to Kings and Queens (funeral parlour). That way, there will be no bodyviewing and you are taken straight to Luveve Cemetery. By the way, don’t bring flowers sweethearts.”
In his last post before his body was discovered, Dlodlo said: “Verily, verily I say unto you, God does not get drunk.”
Narrating how they heard about Dlodlo's death, a close relative, who chose to remain anonymous, said: “We got a call from some Highlanders officials who were at his house, who went there worried he had not turned up for work yesterday (Monday).
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“They found the gate locked from inside and when we arrived, we forced ourselves in, but when we saw that something was amiss, we called the police, who forced their entry into the house where his body was discovered.
“The body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospital for post-mortem. For now, we are in a state of shock, we don’t know what happened to him.”
Dlodlo’s brother, Nkosana Griffiths, said: “As family, we do not know what transpired as his body has to be examined and we await the results of the post-mortem.”
On behalf of Highlanders, club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe sent his condolence message.
“It is with profound shock and sadness that Highlanders Football Club announce the sudden passing on of our chief executive officer, Sihlangu Dlodlo,” Mhlophe said.
“Our organisation is mourning the loss of an exceptional leader, colleague and friend.
“As such, the club extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and all those affected by this heart-wrenching news.”
Zifa said Dlodlo's departure “leaves an irreplaceable void not only in Highlanders Football Club, but also within the entire Zimbabwean football family.”
“During this time of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with his family, friends and the Highlanders community,” it said.
“We hope that the many cherished memories of Dlodlo will bring comfort and may his remarkable impact on the game serve as a beacon for future generations. Our deepest sympathies are with you all.”
The Premier Soccer League described Dlodlo as 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. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Highlanders FC community during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” it said.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 310 Mahatshula South after the funeral wake was moved from 6432 Nketa 9.