MaMkhize's Mbabane takeover: Glamour arrives but can it deliver substance?
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Over the weekend, excitement rippled through the football landscape in Eswatini as Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, the prominent figure behind the now-defunct Royal AM, officially stepped into her role as president of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC.
It surely felt less like a football announcement and more like the start of a new era — one driven by image, ambition, and no small amount of controversy.
This pivotal moment unfolded during a spirited gathering at CODEC Hall in Ezulwini, south of the capital, Mbabane, where a packed audience listened as Mkhize laid out her ambitious vision for the club.
Her address resonated deeply with attendees, making the front pages of local newspapers. Mkhize's appointment has become a hot topic across the nation, stirring the enthusiasm of fans and football stakeholders alike, who are keenly awaiting the potential impact of her leadership.
Her passionate call for unity among the various factions within Eswatini emphasised the importance of collaboration. She urged everyone to strive towards building a strong brand capable of showcasing Eswatini on the global football stage.
But while many supporters quickly pledged allegiance to Mkhize's presidency, not all responses were positive. Some supporters took to the club's official Facebook page to voice their unease.
Their concerns are not unfounded.
Mkhize's track record in South African football is not merely colourful — it's chaotic. Royal AM, the club she previously owned, crashed out of the Premier Soccer League under a cloud of unpaid wages, legal wranglings, and an ongoing battle with SARS. Her appeal to have the club reinstated was rejected by the courts, and the football community south of the border has largely turned the page on her chapter.
Now, she's attempting to write a new one in Mbabane. But is Eswatini ready — and is she?
Her takeover brings immediate talking points. Will her son, Andile Mpisane — who once started matches for Royal AM despite glaring fitness questions — feature in the Highlanders squad? How much control will she exert, especially with Bheki 'Rubber' Simelane remaining on as Director and Governor? And perhaps most importantly: is this a short-term publicity surge, or the foundation for genuine long-term reform?
Highlanders are no ordinary club. One of the oldest and most followed in Eswatini, their history is steeped in tradition and community loyalty. Injecting big personalities and South African flair might generate headlines, but it could also alienate loyalists who value substance over spectacle.
That said, Mkhize is not to be underestimated. Known for her business acumen and resilience, she is expected to bring a dynamic and fresh perspective as the club aims for resurgence.
As she embraces this new chapter with Mbabane Highlanders AM, Mkhize finds herself at the forefront of a movement aimed at reshaping Eswatini football — challenging existing norms and pushing for inclusivity.
Still, the warning signs are too loud to ignore. Football isn't built on media buzz and motivational speeches. It's built on structure, consistency, and trust — none of which defined her Royal AM tenure. If she brings the same volatility to Mbabane, the consequences could be damaging, not just for Highlanders, but for Eswatini football at large.
Mkhize is betting big — again. This time, the stakes involve more than just reputation. They involve a country's footballing aspirations.
Whether Eswatini football likes it or not, MaMkhize will change the game — for better or worse.
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