Renowned South African businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, widely known as Mam’Mkhize, is refusing to back down after her Eswatini football club was expelled from one of the country’s major cup competitions.
Her team, Mbabane Highlanders AM FC, has formally appealed a disciplinary ruling by the Premier League of Eswatini that saw the club fined and thrown out of the Ingwenyama Cup following chaotic scenes during a recent match.
The decision has sparked major debate in Eswatini football circles and placed Mam’Mkhize’s new venture in the spotlight once again.
What Happened During the Match
The controversy stems from an Ingwenyama Cup last-16 clash between Mbabane Highlanders AM FC and Nsingizini Hotspurs at Mavuso Sports Centre on 22 February.
During the heated encounter, supporters reportedly invaded the pitch and physically confronted the referee, forcing the match to be abandoned.
Following an investigation, the Premier League of Eswatini Disciplinary Committee found the club guilty on three charges:
- E25 000 fine for abandoning the match
- E50 000 fine for the assault on the referee
- E3 000 fine for failing to control supporters
Although multiple penalties were issued, they run concurrently, meaning the total fine payable is E50 000 (around R50 000).
In addition to the financial penalty, Mbabane Highlanders AM FC was expelled from the Ingwenyama Cup, effectively ending their campaign in the tournament.
Mam’Mkhize’s Club Responds
The club quickly released a strongly worded statement confirming it has officially filed a Notice of Appeal against the disciplinary verdict.
According to the statement, the club believes the ruling does not reflect the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials argued that during the disciplinary process they observed what appeared to be bias and prejudice, claiming key incidents during the match were omitted from official reports.
The club also said reports submitted by the referee, match commissioner and a league official failed to include incidents that could have led to sanctions against the opposing team.
Despite the dispute, Mbabane Highlanders AM FC emphasised that it respects football regulations and remains committed to upholding professional standards. However, the club stated it cannot remain silent when it believes fairness has been compromised.
Message to Supporters
In the statement, the club also addressed its supporters, urging them to stay calm as the appeal process unfolds.
Management thanked fans for their continued support throughout the season and encouraged them to remain behind the team during what it described as a difficult moment.
The appeal will now proceed through the competition’s official legal channels, where the club hopes to overturn the decision or secure a review of the sanctions imposed.
Mam’Mkhize’s Move to Eswatini Football
Mam’Mkhize’s involvement in Eswatini football came after a dramatic exit from South Africa’s professional league system.
In 2025, her South African club Royal AM F.C. was dismissed from the Premier Soccer League following financial and legal disputes linked to issues with South African Revenue Service.
Shortly after leaving the PSL, Mam’Mkhize shifted her football ambitions to Eswatini, where Mbabane Highlanders AM FC quickly became one of the most talked-about clubs in the country.
What Happens Next
With the appeal now officially filed, the final outcome will depend on the review process conducted by Eswatini football authorities.
If the appeal succeeds, Mbabane Highlanders AM FC could potentially see the sanctions reduced or overturned. If not, the club will remain out of the Ingwenyama Cup while still paying the fine.
For now, Mam’Mkhize’s team is preparing for a legal battle off the pitch as the saga continues to unfold.
Source: Daily Sun
