TENSIONS have boiled over at Mbabane Highlanders as the club’s patrons have reportedly terminated the contract of Managing Director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane.
Simelane’s contract termination brought a dramatic end to what insiders describe as a turbulent partnership.
The decision, reportedly made by the club’s patrons and formalised through their legal representatives, marks the latest twist in a relationship that has been marred by internal conflict and missed expectations.
Highly placed sources within the club revealed that Simelane was served with a termination letter on Friday by the patrons’ lawyers.
The news, though kept under wraps within the Highlanders camp, is being discussed in hushed tones. Reports suggest that the patrons, through their lawyers, cited six reasons Simelane failed to honour in terms of his contract. Simelane had signed an 18-month deal, recently taking over from Pretoria businessman Chief Ally Kgomongwe.
“The relationship between the patrons and the MD soured. A decision was made last week to part ways after Simelane missed a scheduled meeting at Bethel Court, Ezulwini. Contact the relevant authorities at the club for further comment,” said a source.
Club patron chairman Thembinkosi Mamba neither confirmed nor denied the news.
“We did send a letter to Simelane based on our last meeting, but I cannot disclose its contents as it is not for public consumption. We will provide more details in due course,” he said. Mbabane Highlanders Director Mandla Simelane was unaware of the situation. “I have not heard anything about this issue. I do not understand what you are referring to. We did not receive any letter of termination,” he said.
