Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize has officially taken over as the president of Mbabane Highlanders ushering in what many are calling a new era for one of Eswatini’s most historic football clubs.
Under her leadership the club has already undergone major changes starting with a rebranding that includes a name change to Mbabane Highlanders AM FC and a shift in team colours from the traditional black and white to black and gold.
While many celebrate her arrival as a significant step towards reviving the club’s former glory, I cannot help but express my deep concerns about these changes. Let me be clear from the outset that I welcome ‘MaMkhize’s’ leadership. Her involvement in football, especially given her experience with Royal AM in South Africa brings hope for improved administration, investment and competitiveness. But changing the name and colours of a club so deeply rooted in the nation’s football culture feels to me like a step too far.
Mbabane Highlanders is not just a football club but a symbol, a legacy and heritage. For generations, fans have proudly identified with the black and white colours and the original name. These are not just aesthetic choices but they represent the club’s soul. The sudden shift to black and gold along with rebranding the name feels like a dilution of everything the Highlanders have stood for since inception.
Previous directors and custodians of the club have come and gone with each bringing their own vision and strategy. Yet none of them dared to tamper with the team’s core identity. This is why for some of us these changes feel jarring and almost like a betrayal. It is not that I am opposed to change altogether but rather I believe that heritage should be preserved even as we strive for progress.
Some may accuse me of being resistant to change or overly sentimental. I understand that perspective. But I must be honest in how I feel. For me this feels like we are no longer looking at the same club. To be blunt, I would say this is the death of the original Mbabane Highlanders as we knew them. Perhaps there were good reasons behind these drastic decisions.
I have no doubt that there were meetings, discussions and strategic planning involved. But even with those considerations, I believe that such foundational changes should have been approached with more caution and wider consultation with the fans and stakeholders. After all, a football club belongs not only to its leadership but to its community.
The name Mbabane Highlanders carries history, honour and unmatched loyalty. Names like Inkunz’emnyama, lishoba lenkuzi sihlikitsi, and Gwaza nkuzi stir deep emotions among the fans. These nicknames are more than just catchy phrases but they are rooted in the culture and identity of the team. I know some of you might even relate to what I mean when I jokingly add Thwihli Thwahla to the list. It’s part of the banter, part of what made this team ours.
All that said I am sure that ‘MaMkhize’s’ arrival still represents an important opportunity for the team. Her success with Royal AM in South Africa shows that she has the resources and ambition to build something strong. Moreover, I have heard that she has already met with former Highlanders Managing Director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane to discuss the team’s past and perhaps gain a fuller understanding of what she’s stepping into. If that’s true, it’s an encouraging sign because knowing the full history of the club is essential for making informed, respectful decisions about its future.
I truly believe that if ‘MaMkhize’ is fully briefed and connected with the heartbeat of the Highlanders community, she can guide this club to greater heights. She brings with her business acumen, football experience and a strong public image which are ingredients that can lift the team back to the summit of local and regional football.
For that to happen, however, she will need genuine support from all stakeholders, from the technical team to supporters in the stands. She cannot do it alone. If everyone pulls in the same direction, I have no doubt that we could witness the reawakening of a sleeping giant.
In conclusion, my intention is not to condemn ‘MaMkhize’ or her vision.
I support her leadership. But I must remain honest that the rebranding, especially the name and colour change is a bitter pill to swallow for those of us who have been loyal to the black and white for decades. My hope is that she can still find a way to honour the club’s rich heritage while paving a bold new path forward.
Mbabane Highlanders AM FC may be the new name, but to many of us, the spirit of the original Highlanders still lives on and we will continue to hold it close to our hearts.
