Mbabane Highlanders have officially introduced Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize as the club’s new leader.
On Saturday, one of Eswatini’s biggest club held a media briefing in Manzini—a half-hour drive from the capital, Mbabane—and Mkhize took to the podium to share her vision for the club.
“We will bring elevation; we will bring change. Understandably so, change comes with problems, ngoba (because) it’s not everybody who adapts very easily to change,” said Mkhize, whose club, Royal AM, has been expelled by South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The PSL’s board of governors resolved to boot out Royal AM because of the club’s failure to fulfill its fixture obligations, as the SA Revenue Service (SARS) took over the running of the club as SARS looked to recover over R40 million from Mkhize.
The KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman isn’t fazed, and she’s moved on to Eswatini, where Mbabane Highlanders have made significant changes, including dropping their white stripes to accommodate gold.
“What I can promise you ukuthi (is that) as I’m standing before you today, I’ll lead with integrity,” she added, in front of the Highlanders club officials.
In turn, Highlanders, who were founded in 1952, have released a statement that backs Mkhize in her new role.
“The patrons of Mbabane Highlanders Football Club wish to inform our loyal supporters, stakeholders, and the broader football community of a historic and transformative moment in the life of our beloved club,” reads the club statement.
“We are pleased to announce the official appointment of Ms. Shauwn Mkhize as the president of Mbabane Highlanders Football Club. A dynamic and visionary leader with a proven track record in both business and football administration, Ms. Mkhize brings with her a renewed sense of ambition and strategic intent that will drive the club forward.
“Alongside this leadership change, the club has undergone a significant rebranding to reflect a bold new era. Effective immediately, the club will now be known as Mbabane Highlanders AM FC, incorporating the AM insignia into our proud name,” said the club.
AM represents the initials of Mkhize’s son, Andile Mpisane, going back to the days of Royal AM (Royal Andile Mpisane).
“Our traditional black and white colors will officially transition to a more prestigious and modern combination of black and gold.
“A new club logo has been unveiled to embody this redefined identity, symbolizing strength, prestige, and our renewed aspirations.”
Highlanders added, “These changes are born from a collective desire to restore the Highlanders to their rightful place at the summit of Eswatini football and to begin writing a new chapter that includes strong participation in continental competitions.
“We believe these developments mark the beginning of an exciting journey—one that honors our rich history while fearlessly stepping into the future.”
