Shauwn Mkhize dumping Eswatini giants? Ex-Royal AM boss responds

Prominent South African football administrator Shauwn Mkhize has officially set the record straight regarding her ongoing tenure as president of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC in neighbouring Eswatini.

The former Royal AM owner has moved to address mounting concerns within the kingdom nation that she was on the verge of abandoning the MTN Premier League giants, affectionately known as Ezimnyama Ngenkani (The Black Bull).

Mkhize released a pre-recorded video on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, while seemingly back at her base in South Africa. In the address, she offered firm assurances that her physical absence from the Eswatini-based club should not be misconstrued as a precursor to a permanent exit.

Shauwn Mkhize Addressing friction at Highlanders AM FC

“I have been receiving messages—as I am away—that you guys are worried that I am going to leave you,” she stated in the video, appearing visibly relaxed. “Let me assure you—I am not going anywhere. I am currently focused on restoring unity within this club, and I am working to ensure that you have a formidable squad capable of competing at the highest level next year.”

The former Premier Soccer League (PSL) club owner hinted at underlying friction within the “Black Bull” family, emphasising the urgent need for solidarity among the club’s supporters. A major point of contention has been the club’s visual identity, specifically the departure from their traditional black and white jerseys. Following Mkhize’s takeover, the club transitioned to the black and gold palette synonymous with her defunct PSL outfit, Royal AM.

Addressing the kit controversy, she noted: “I just want you to stay together, unite and come out in numbers… it is not always about how you start, but how you finish. Let us support each other. I know certain factions were worried; they wanted a return to the black and white jersey. I am considering reintroducing a black and white kit at the beginning of the season as an alternative strip. My goal is to ensure the happiness of the supporters so that we can operate as one united family under my leadership.”

The rebranding of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC

Mkhize was unveiled as the president of the Mbabane-based giants in July 2025. This appointment coincided with a significant rebranding effort that saw the club transition from its original name to Mbabane Highlanders AM FC.

An official statement released at the time of the takeover explained the shift: “The club will now be known as Mbabane Highlanders AM FC, incorporating the AM insignia into our proud name. Our traditional black and white colours will officially transition to a more prestigious and modern combination of black and gold.”

Mkhize’s foray into Eswatini football marked her return to the sport months after South Africa’s league governing body expelled Royal AM from the flagship Betway Premiership. That expulsion followed severe financial hurdles that eventually saw court-appointed curators take control of the Durban-based club’s affairs.

Current standing in the MTN Premier League

On the pitch, Highlanders suffered a setback on Wednesday, enduring their first defeat in eight matches since South African tactician Selaotse Mosala took the helm. The club fell to a narrow 1-0 away loss against Tabankulu FC.

Despite the result, the former Sekhukhune United assistant coach has maintained a respectable record, having posted five victories and two draws alongside this recent loss. This latest defeat—the club’s seventh in 27 league outings—leaves Mkhize’s side in fifth position on the log. They currently trail the league leaders and defending champions, Nsingizini Hotspurs FC, by a significant 18-point margin.