MBABANE – Lington Gule has affirmed that he remains the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Mbabane Highlanders FC.
In a Facebook post, Gule urged for the resolve of division within the club, calling for putting aside differences for unity in support of the ‘Bull.’ The club await a High Court decision regarding the legal challenge initiated by former Mbabane Highlanders president Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane.
The case before the court centres on the legality of Simelane’s removal from the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Board of Governors. Simelane’s legal team has dropped the challenge regarding the termination of his management agreement with the club, focusing instead on whether his removal as a PLE governor was lawful and procedurally correct.
With the club experiencing internal strife over leadership changes, including the recent directorship takeover by South African businesswoman Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, Gule’s urgent appeal was for fans to respect differing viewpoints and avoid actions that could harm the club.
High Court judge Titus Mlangeni reserved judgment on Simelane’s application. Gule said without getting into the merits of the case, the ongoing court proceedings were not an attempt by Simelane to “hold Highlanders hostage” or disrupt the club’s participation in the PLE.
Addressing the factionalism within the club, Gule said, “For those who feel everything is fine, come to the stadium, support the team, cheer for the players, and enjoy the game.”
He cautioned the other faction: “Those who feel wronged should refrain from attending matches to avoid potential altercations that could lead to the club being sued.”
“Let’s learn to respect differing opinions and decisions,” Gule urged, reminding everyone that the club itself is the unifying element. He concluded with a strong call for unity: “What brings us together today, being Highlanders, will always endure… No one is superior; there is only one Highlander.”
Gule said Simelane’s actions are rooted in legal principles rather than an intent to obstruct the team’s progress.
“Simelane is not opposed to the ownership of Mbabane Highlanders. As we speak, Highlanders have already competed in the Premier League. If Simelane had issues with the ownership, he would have refused to let the team play instead of waiting for the court to rule on rightful ownership. But he allowed them to compete,” he said.
Gule reminded supporters of the circumstances leading to Simelane’s return to the club, recalling a time of significant crisis when the team struggled financially, with players not receiving proper compensation—“not even a banana”—and the club in dire straits, including the selling of soccer jerseys.
“There were supporters who approached Mr. Simelane when the situation became critical… They felt that Simelane did not leave the club under appropriate circumstances,” Gule said, highlighting the previous backing for Simelane’s leadership during tough times.
The court is expected to announce the judgment date soon, a crucial step toward resolving one aspect of the complex ownership and administrative saga at the capital city giants.
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