The ownership of Eswatini’s Mbabane Highlanders AM FC has become the centre of a fresh legal storm, with businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize dragged into a High Court dispute by former club boss Bheki Simelane.
Simelane has taken the matter to the High Court of Eswatini, alleging that he was unlawfully removed from his role and still holds legitimate ownership of the team. His claim directly challenges assertions by South African businessman Alfred Kgomongwe, who insists that ownership was formally transferred to MaMkhize.
Former Officials Speak Out
On Tuesday, ex-Managing Director Mandla Shongwe confirmed that the ownership wrangle had now reached the courts.
“The club was unlawfully taken away from us. The club still belongs to us,” Shongwe told KickOff. “We have a valid contract until the end of the 2025/26 season. MaMkhize had promised to meet with us to resolve the matter, but that has not happened. That’s why we have turned to the High Court.”
A Pattern of Football Controversies
This isn’t MaMkhize’s first brush with football ownership drama. Her entry into the Eswatini football scene follows a turbulent chapter with her previous team, Royal AM, which was expelled from the PSL amid financial troubles.
The club was put up for auction by SARS to recover a reported R40 million in unpaid taxes. Durban businessman Roy Moodley initially emerged as the top bidder, but the deal collapsed when he failed to secure the necessary funds. The league subsequently removed the club from its roster.
As the Mbabane Highlanders case unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on MaMkhize a figure whose football ventures continue to attract as much controversy off the field as excitement on it.
Related article: “I Learned Who Deserves a Seat at My Table” – MaMkhize Breaks Her Silence
