MBABANE – Alfred Ally Kgomongwe has declared himself the “rightful owner” of Mbabane Highlanders, casting doubt over South African businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize’s recent appointment as club president.
According to a report by FARPost, Kgomongwe claims he still holds an 80% stake in the Eswatini giants and insists that any change in ownership should involve him directly.
“I see that there is confusion as to who really owns Mbabane Highlanders FC. I am the rightful owner of that club,” Kgomongwe told FARPost. “I’m not even sure how the Eswatini Premier Soccer League (EPSL) changed the directorship from me to Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane.”
Kgomongwe, who also owns Botswana’s Extension Gunners, claims his stake remains intact, while the remaining 20% is split equally between Kenneth Dlamini and Thembinkosi Mamba.
“If there is supposed to be a change of ownership of Mbabane Highlanders, I am the only one with the rights and powers to decide who I can give the club to. They should talk to me,” he added.
The controversy follows the club’s recent rebranding to Mbabane Highlanders AM — a move widely interpreted as paying tribute to MaMkhize’s son, Andile Mpisane.
Kgomongwe also dismissed any claims to prize money or compensation from Simelane. “So, I don’t understand why Mr Rubber Simelane would want R1 million compensation while the team is not his. It’s my team. Even if Mbabane Highlanders can win the CAF Champions League or any trophy, the prize money won’t go to Rubber Simelane, but it will come to me because I am the rightful owner and director of Mbabane Highlanders,” he told the publication.
Reacting to the claims, club public relations officer Lington Gule stated that while Kgomongwe may be connected to Mbabane Highlanders Ltd, he is not the owner of 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,” Gule said.
Gule also noted that Simelane is willing to step aside and transfer ownership — whether to Kgomongwe or Mkhize — if agreed terms are fulfilled.
Eswatini Premier Soccer League (EPSL) CEO Pat Vilakati declined to comment when contacted.
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