Ex-Royal AM boss: “I won’t impose SA culture on Mbabane Highlanders”

Former South Africa’s Royal AM owner Shawn Mkhize has reacted to her surprise ascension to the presidency of Mbabane Highlanders in neighbouring Eswatini.

In a press conference captured by Swazi Times online, the South African business lady said she anticipates challenges arising from the club’s rebranding.

She, therefore, said she expects problems associated with such changes.

“Changes bring problems because it is not everybody who adapts to change very easily,” Mkhize said. Let us unite the two cultures of South Africa and Eswatini.

“As I am standing here, what I can promise is that I will lead with integrity. This is a cultural club. I didn’t want to say because I am coming here I will impose my culture. But what I am saying is that let the two cultures unite. The culture of South Africa and Eswatini.”

Mkhize’s football investment has seen the outfit being renamed Mbabane Highlanders AM.

“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. A new club logo has been unveiled to embody this redefined identity, symbolising strength, prestige, and our renewed aspirations,” the club’s announcement reads.

“These changes are born from a collective desire to restore the Highlanders to their rightful place at the summit of Eswatini football, and to begin writing a new chapter that includes strong participation in continental competitions. We believe these developments mark the beginning of an exciting journey—one that honours our rich history while fearlessly stepping into the future.”

Popularly known as Ezimnyama Ngenkani or Black Bull, the club has won the Eswatini Premier League championship 13 times.

Mkhize has bounced back onto the football stage months after South Africa’s elite league governing body expelled Royal AM from the flagship Betway Premiership over financial problems which saw curators handling the Durban-based club’s affairs.

The Premier Soccer League Board of Governors overwhelmingly voted to expel Royal AM from the elite league.

Royal AM were put under curatorship after the South African Revenue Service took Mkhize to task over outstanding taxes.