In a dramatic twist to the ongoing Mbabane Highlanders ownership saga, former director Chief Ally Kgomongwe has declared that the club is still legally his.
This is despite reports indicating a transition of leadership to South African businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize.
The dispute over the capital city giants’ ownership intensified following delays in the formal handover of control from former director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane to Mkhize. The club was expected to undergo a name change to Mbabane Highlanders AM FC, ahead of the 2025/26 season in a move now marred by unresolved contractual issues.
While Simelane and Mkhize were meant to finalise handover documents prior to the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) registration deadline, the process stalled reportedly due to Mkhize’s obligation to pay Simelane compensation. The latter still holds an 18-month contract with the club, making the ownership transfer legally complex.
PLE CEO Petros Vilakati confirmed this in an interview with Soccer Laduma, stating that the new season would commence with the club retaining its existing name and structure.
However, Kgomongwe, a South African businessman and previous majority shareholder, has reignited that the ownership debate by asserting that he still legally owns the club.
“I am the rightful owner of Highlanders. I do not know why ‘Rubber’ interfered with my company and I certainly do not know who authorised him to run the club. If the PLE was involved in any way, then that was unlawful. His contract should be null and void. If necessary, I will pursue legal action,” Kgomongwe said firmly.
According to Kgomongwe, the club was incorporated in January 2022 with shareholding structured with 80 per cent under his name, 10 per cent under the patrons represented by Thembinkosi Mamba and 10 per cent under the supporters, represented by Kenneth Dlamini.
He insists that Simelane took over the club unlawfully and that any recognition of his leadership by the PLE was illegitimate. Furthermore, he claims to have stripped then CEO Musa Masuku of his powers, yet no action was taken.
“I never gave Masuku authority to appoint ‘Rubber’. He was just a CEO. I later submitted a formal letter to the PLE removing him but they failed to respond,” he said.
Responding to the PLE’s claim that he delegated powers to Masuku to act on his behalf, Kgomongwe challenged the league to produce proof of such authority.
“They must show proof of how I delegated powers to Masuku. If that happened, there was fraud. I will take legal action,” he said, adding further weight to his legal stance.
Despite the tension, Kgomongwe stated that he was not opposed to new leadership, provided it was done legally and in the best interest of the players and club.
“I support anyone who has the capacity to lead and look after the players’ welfare. I do not want the club to die. But the process must be done properly,” he added.
Mbabane Highlanders Patrons Chairman Thembinkosi Mamba said they would consult with the registrar of companies regarding Kgomongwe’s ownership claims. He also criticised the PLE for their lack of transparency.
“We wrote to the PLE and they never responded. Yet the CEO chose to speak to a South African publication instead. That’s highly disappointing,” he said.
Mamba went on to deny any financial obligation to Simelane, stating his contract was terminated due to non-payment of players. “Rubber’s contract was ended because he failed to fulfil his duties. We owe him nothing,” he asserted. For his part, PLE CEO Vilakati said the league was guided by a legal form submitted by the club, specifically one in which Kgomongwe delegated club operations to Masuku.
“When a legally designated representative appears before us, we act accordingly. That’s our position,” he said. Vilakati said they did not interfere with whatever that was happening behind the scenes.
As Highlanders prepare for the upcoming season amidst internal chaos, the question remains: who truly owns the club? One thing is clear – the battle for control of one of Eswatini’s most iconic football clubs is far from over.
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