Ex-Royal AM owner Mkhize takes over Eswatini Mbabane Highlanders

Former owner of South Africa’s Royal AM FC, Shawn Mkhize has taken over the reign of Mbabane Highlanders FC in neighbouring Eswatini.

The South African lady has been named as the Mbabane-based team’s president. The change has since necessitated the Eswatini Premier League team’s rebranding to Mbabane Highlanders AM, according to a statement.

“The club will now be known as Mbabane Highlanders AM FC, incorporating the AM insignia into our proud name. Our traditional black and white colors 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, symbolizing 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 honors our rich history while fearlessly stepping into the future.”

Popularly known as Ezimnyama Ngenkani or Black Bull, the club are the 13-time champions of the Eswatini Premier League.

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 worsening financial problems which saw curators handling the Durban-based club’s affairs.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) Board of Governors (BOG) overwhelmingly voted to throw out 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.