Mbabane Highlanders AM, led by South African businesswoman Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, will take on Amawele, owned by Ally Kgomongwe, in a highly anticipated MTN Premier League match on Sunday. The encounter, set to be held at Somhlolo National Stadium, brings together two clubs whose recent fortunes have been influenced by South African business interests. This adds an intriguing subplot to Matchweek Two of the league.
Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize assumed leadership of Mbabane Highlanders AM in July 2025, following ownership and leadership changes. Meanwhile, Ally Kgomongwe has moved on from his previous involvement with Highlanders to support Amawele. His latest project has already garnered significant attention in Eswatini football. The match also highlights the changing face of Eswatini football, with local clubs providing a pathway for players to move into stronger leagues in the region.
Amawele will head into Sunday's encounter under new Coach Bongani Mhlongo, who was unveiled this week after the club parted ways with Mpumelelo Ngwenya and his technical team. Mhlongo, a former Green Mamba coach, has been tasked with preparing the Msunduza-based side for the high-profile meeting with Highlanders AM. This change in coaching staff comes after Amawele's 3-0 defeat to Ezulwini United in their opening league match.
The movement of players outside Eswatini has added another dimension to the domestic league, with Eswatini clubs increasingly attracting attention beyond the country's borders. Defending champions Nsingizini Hotspurs have been among the most notable exporters, with several players securing moves to Zimbabwean and South African clubs. This trend is expected to continue, with more players seeking opportunities in stronger leagues.
Mbabane Swallows remain the country's most prominent CAF Champions League success story, becoming the first Eswatini club to reach the competition's group stage in 2018. They will face newly promoted Red Rhinos, who suffered a 3-1 loss to Piggs Peak Professionals, while Swallows lost 1-0 to Ubombo Sugar. The upcoming matches are expected to be highly competitive, with teams vying for top spots in the league.
The MTN Premier League continues to gain momentum, with several exciting matches lined up for the weekend. In other fixtures, Green Mamba will face Celtics, Royal Leopard will take on Ezulwini United, and Nsingizini Hotspurs will face Manzini Sea Birds. The league is expected to be highly competitive, with teams battling for top spots and trying to avoid relegation.
The match between Amawele and Mbabane Highlanders AM is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement in the league. With the changing face of Eswatini football and the increasing movement of players to stronger leagues, this match is expected to be a closely watched affair. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the league standings and the teams' prospects for the season.
Key points
- Mbabane Highlanders AM, led by Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, will face Amawele, owned by Ally Kgomongwe, in a highly anticipated MTN Premier League match on Sunday.
- The match highlights the changing face of Eswatini football, with local clubs providing a pathway for players to move into stronger leagues in the region.
- Amawele will be under new Coach Bongani Mhlongo, who was unveiled this week after the club parted ways with Mpumelelo Ngwenya and his technical team.
