Latest news with #MbabaneHighlandersAMFC
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
MaMkhize's Mbabane takeover: Glamour arrives but can it deliver substance?
Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, centre, addressed supporters at CODEC Hall in Ezulwini this past weekend, marking the start of her ambitious presidency at Mbabane Highlanders AM FC — and a bold new chapter in Eswatini football. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix COMMENT 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.
The South African
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Will Andile Mpisane play for mom's new club? MaMkhize responds
Shauwn Mkhize – fondly known as MaMkhize – has shut down speculation that her son Andile Mpisane will play for Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. Last week, the businesswoman officially signed a three-year presidency deal with the eSwatini soccer club. This news comes months after SARS seized her South African team, Royal AM, to pay off her R40 million debt. Although the club includes the initials of his name – AM, or Andile Mpisane – his mother, MaMkhize, revealed that her son would take a step back. Speaking to Andile Ncube on Metro FM, the controversial businesswoman said: 'He wants to be in the management space now. 'I don't see him going there [to eSwatini], but he enjoys being in the business side of things.' When asked if Andile Mpisane had hung up his soccer boots, his mother responded, 'I don't know, but for now, I think so. Will Andile Mpisane play for his mom MaMkhize's new football club? Images via Instagram: @kwa_mamkhize 'Because even when Royal AM was there, he was starting to learn the administrative part of it. 'I think all that he wanted was to play in the elite league – which he did, he tasted that' With his football career likely over, Andile Mpisane will likely focus his attention on his budding music career or his hobby of collecting luxury cars. The 24-year-old is known for his expensive taste in cars and clothes, and posts bragging about his soccer skills. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'We don't want Royal AM': Supporters of MaMkhize's new club
A group of football supporters of Mbabane Highlanders FC – now renamed Mbabane Highlanders AM FC – are rejecting the new position of power given to MaMkhize, real name Shauwn Mkhize. Last week, the businesswoman was announced as president of the eSwatini club. She has since called for 'unity' among fans and expressed her desire for the club to relive its 'glory days.' This news comes months after SARS seized her South African team, Royal AM, to pay off her R40 million debt. The club was later expelled from the PSL. During her first address as Mbabalane Highlanders AM FC on Sunday, 20 July, the club revealed that MaMkhize had 'called for unity and urged all stakeholders to play their part in restoring the club to its former glory'. It added: 'She emphasized the importance of protecting the club's image, encouraging everyone to refrain from public commentary that could hinder efforts to build a strong and respected brand'. 'Most significantly, she pledged her full commitment to making Mbabane Highlanders AM the leading football club in the country—on and off the pitch'. Last week, the eSwatini club confirmed that MaMkhize had signed a three-year presidency deal as the club's president. In a video clip, MaMkhize revealed that she had added a 'touch of gold' and her signature 'AM', and that players of the eSwatini club would now wear black and gold. 'New look. Same spirit. 🖤💛 Mbabane Highlanders AM F.C. is now draped in black and gold', a Facebook post from the club read. MaMkhize is the new president of Mbabane Highlanders. Images via Instagram: @kwa_mammkhize Although many Mbabane Highlanders AM FC fans have vowed to support MaMkhize as president of the club, others are wary and even concerned about her involvement. On its official Facebook account, many have rejected the new leadership and its link to the now-defunct SA club. Gcin'muzi Hlatshwayo: 'We are not Royal AM!' Imagine Sci-fi Mzanzi: 'This is disrespectful to this old club.' Doni Dlamini: 'Highlanders is dead now!' Denis De Sousa: 'Royal AM 2.0?'
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Shauwn Mkhize launches 'AM era' at Mbabane Highlanders in honour of son Andile Mpisane
AM era Durban businesswoman and socialite Shauwn Mkhize has been unveiled as the new president of Eswatini club Mbabane Highlanders. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize was confirmed as the new president of Eswatini giants Mbabane Highlanders over the weekend. Immediately after taking charge, Mkhize, who previously owned Royal AM, changed the club's name to feature the letters 'AM', the initials of her son and heir, Andile Mpisane. From now on, the club will be known as Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. 'We are proud to unveil the new official logo of Mbabane Highlanders AM F.C. – a symbol of strength, legacy, unity and ambition,' read a post on the club's Instagram page announcing the rebranding. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading New president Shauwn Mkhize unveils Highlanders' new logo & look AM (Andile Mpisane) has been added to the club's name. Mbabane Highlanders AM are the most successful team in Eswatini, with 13 Swazi Premier League titles & 9 Swazi Cups 🎥𝐄𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐠 — Austin Ditlhobolo (@A_B_Ditlhobolo) July 12, 2025 And speaking at the ceremony on Saturday, Mkhize said: 'Mbabane Highlanders is a symbol of pride, strength and tradition. And today marks a new chapter, not a takeover but a partnership. A merging of histories between Eswatini and South Africa, rooted in shared ambition and excellence. 'To the patrons, my heartfelt thanks for your trust. To the fans, you are the soul of this club. Together, we will raise the standard, grow our talent and bring this club the success it deserves. My promise is simple: I will lead with integrity, vision and heart. We're not here to participate; we're here to elevate." Mbabane Highlanders are the most successful team in Eswatini with 13 league titles to their name. However, they haven't been champions since 2001. It remains to be seen how involved Mpisane will be with the new club. At Royal AM, another club named in his honour, he acted as chairman and player. Due to the transfer ban the club was handed at the beginning of last season, he featured in the first team often. During their game against the mighty Kaizer Chiefs towards the end of last year, Mpisane struggled to make an impact as the Soweto giants ran up a 2–0 lead before half-time. When Mpisane was taken off after the break, Royal AM started to find their groove, and they would eventually earn an encouraging 2-all draw. That game summed up much of Mpisane's stint at Royal AM – controversial, unpredictable, and always under the spotlight. As the 'AM' era begins in Eswatini, all eyes will be on whether the new name brings the kind of results to match its bold ambitions. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
