A group of football supporters of Mbabane Highlanders FC – now renamed Mbabane Highlanders AM FC – are rejecting the new position of power given to MaMkhize, real name Shauwn Mkhize.
Last week, the businesswoman was announced as president of the eSwatini club. She has since called for “unity” among fans and expressed her desire for the club to relive its “glory days.”
This news comes months after SARS seized her South African team, Royal AM, to pay off her R40 million debt.
The club was later expelled from the PSL.
MAMKHIZE ADDRESSES MBABANE HIGHLANDER SUPPORTERS
During her first address as Mbabalane Highlanders AM FC on Sunday, 20 July, the club revealed that MaMkhize had “called for unity and urged all stakeholders to play their part in restoring the club to its former glory”.
It added: “She emphasized the importance of protecting the club’s image, encouraging everyone to refrain from public commentary that could hinder efforts to build a strong and respected brand”.
“Most significantly, she pledged her full commitment to making Mbabane Highlanders AM the leading football club in the country—on and off the pitch”.
BLACK AND GOLD
Last week, the eSwatini club confirmed that MaMkhize had signed a three-year presidency deal as the club’s president.
In a video clip, MaMkhize revealed that she had added a “touch of gold” and her signature “AM”, and that players of the eSwatini club would now wear black and gold.
“New look. Same spirit. 🖤💛 Mbabane Highlanders AM F.C. is now draped in black and gold”, a Facebook post from the club read.
Images via Instagram: @kwa_mammkhize
‘WE ARE NOT ROYAL AM’
Although many Mbabane Highlanders AM FC fans have vowed to support MaMkhize as president of the club, others are wary and even concerned about her involvement.
On its official Facebook account, many have rejected the new leadership and its link to the now-defunct SA club.
Gcin’muzi Hlatshwayo: “We are not Royal AM!”
Imagine Sci-fi Mzanzi: “This is disrespectful to this old club.”
Doni Dlamini: “Highlanders is dead now!”
Denis De Sousa: “Royal AM 2.0?”
