Mbabane Highlanders AM challenge sanctions, claim bias

Mbabane Highlanders AM have appealed against sanctions imposed on them for the violence that marred their recent Ingwenyama Cup game against Nsingizini Hotspurs.

The disciplinary committee of Eswatini Football Association (EFA) found Shawn Mkhize-owned team guilty on all charges relating to the chaotic scenes witnessed during the Round of 16 clash at the Mavuso Sports Centre in February.

The committee found the Black Bull or Ezimnyama Ngenkani guilty on all three counts; hence expelled them from the cup and fined them USD 906 (E15,000).

Why Highlanders AM have challenged punishment

However, the 13-time Eswatini Premier League champions have since challenged the Eswatini governing body’s sanctions.

“Mbabane Highlanders AM has formally filed a Notice of Appeal against the verdict delivered by the Premier League of Eswatini disciplinary committee,” reads the club’s statement.

“In accordance with the provisions of the competition rules, the club has exercised its right to challenge the decision and will now await the next stage of the process as outlined by the regulations.”

In a statement, Ezimnyama Ngenkani accused the committee of showing signs of bias during the proceedings surrounding the case.

“Throughout the disciplinary process, the club observed with concern what appeared to be elements of bias and prejudice,” reads the club’s statement.

“Mbabane Highlanders remain committed to the principles of fairness, professionalism, and the proper application of the rules that govern the game. We thank our supporters for their continued patience and support as the matter proceeds through the appropriate channels.”

Shawn Mkhize: Iron lady behind Mbabane Highlanders AM

South African football administrator Mkhize, formerly in charge of South Africa’s Royal AM, owns Highlanders AM.

Mkhize became the majority shareholder of the Eswatini side last July after South Africa’s elite league governing body expelled her Royal AM from the flagship Betway Premiership over financial problems which saw curators handling the then Durban-based club’s affairs.

To her credit, she did not give up on football but crossed the South African borders to invest in Ezimnyama Ngenkani.