MBABANE – Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize’s attempt to take over Mbabane Highlanders has hit a roadblock, with the Eswatini Premier Soccer League confirming that the deal has not been finalised due to pending payments and missed deadlines, Soccer Laduma reports.
The South African businesswoman was expected to assume ownership of the iconic Eswatini club and rename it Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. However, Eswatini Premier Soccer League (EPSL) CEO Pat Vilakati told Soccer Laduma that the registration deadline passed on 21 July without the required ownership transfer documentation.
“There was supposed to be a handover signed between Miss Mkhize and Mr Simelane,” Vilakati said. “That didn’t happen, and the deadline has now passed. Our understanding is that Mkhize was to pay Simelane a compensation fee due to his existing 18-month contract with Highlanders, which has not yet been honoured.”
Without confirmation of payment and signed transfer documents, the league has not recognised any changes in directorship or branding. The club will enter the new season under its original name and ownership.
“As things stand, the club remains registered under Mr Bheki Rubber Simelane,” Vilakati added. “Until we receive a written letter from him authorising a change, the team will not be renamed.”
Simelane, speaking to Soccer Laduma, confirmed that the delay stems from a pending compensation agreement. “There was an agreement to compensate me before any name change. That hasn’t happened, so everything remains as is.”
Mkhize had not responded to Soccer Laduma’s request for comment at the time of publication.
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