Newly-unveiled Mbabane Highlanders AM FC President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize was left stunned after discovering the club had a director, a detail she said had not been shared with her when she came on board.
This was revealed by the club’s Management Committee Vice Chairman Clement Dlamini during a well-attended National Supporters Committee (NSC) special meeting held at ECODEC, Ezulwini yesterday. The meeting drew a big crowd of passionate supporters, just a day after the club made headlines by announcing MaMkhize as their new president.
Dlamini, who did not mince his words, said the South African businesswoman was taken aback when she found out about the existence of recently resigned Director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane and even more surprised at the tension surrounding his departure.
“One supporter asked us to clarify the threats that had been making the rounds. The truth is, the issue started when Simelane received threats from a South African phone number. He was even afraid to walk around freely,” Dlamini shared. He added that tensions remained high even after MaMkhize was introduced to the public.
“It is sad that when we tried to attend the unveiling on Saturday we were turned back at the entrance and told we were not needed. But MaMkhize could tell something was wrong,” Dlamini told the supporters.
According to him, the new club president reached out that same evening, requesting a private meeting with the side-lined supporters. They met at Royal Villas around 7pm, a meeting Dlamini described as eye-opening for MaMkhize.
“She was shocked. She said club officials were not transparent with her. She could not believe that the club actually had a director,” he said.
Dlamini revealed that MaMkhize expressed a strong desire to meet with Simelane that same night and the two finally sat down face-to-face. “Five police cars had to come to Royal Villas after some people tried to interfere with their meeting,” he said.
But despite the tension, the two powerful figures reportedly hit it off.
“They were in one accord,” Dlamini declared, a statement that drew loud cheers from the crowd.
Highlanders’ fans were visibly relieved and optimistic following the revelations. The mood was celebratory, with many praising MaMkhize for her willingness to engage and unify.
One supporter said they were hopeful that this new chapter under MaMkhize’s leadership would bring long-awaited unity and stability to one of the country’s most iconic clubs.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader
