MBABANE – Confusion reigns at Mbabane Highlanders FC as South African businessman Alfred Ally Kgomongwe insists he remains the rightful owner of the club, challenging the leadership of Bheki “Rubber” Simelane and the involvement of South African mogul Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize.
Kgomongwe, who also owns Extension Gunners in Botswana, told South African football outlet Soccer Laduma that he holds 80 percent of Highlanders’ shares and expressed concern over what he alleges is a questionable shift in club directorship to Simelane.
“If Highlanders were to win the CAF Champions League, the prize money would go to me, not Simelane,” Kgomongwe said, claiming he has legal documents to prove his ownership.
His remarks come days before the start of the new Premier League of Eswatini season, placing the club at the centre of a boardroom battle.
Responding to the claims, Highlanders Public Relations Officer Lington Gule said Kgomongwe may have ties to Mbabane Highlanders Ltd, but not the football team itself.
“Mr Simelane is not holding onto power. He simply wants to be compensated for his financial contributions. You don’t cancel contracts without honouring obligations,” said Gule.
Gule said Simelane is open to handing over control to either Kgomongwe or Mkhize, but only if prior agreements are fulfilled.
Eswatini Professional Soccer League CEO Pat Vilakati said the league is not involved in ownership disputes. He explained their duty is to confirm compliance with registration rules, which he said were not met before the transfer window closed.
Businesswoman MaMkhize, who has been linked with a potential stake in the Highlanders setup, had not responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.
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