Mbabane Highlanders AM secured a 2-0 win over Mbabane Swallows in the PLE Charity Cup play-off, earning a spot in the semi-finals of the Premier League of Eswatini tournament. The match took place at Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday. Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, the team's president, expressed her delight with the team's performance. She acknowledged that derby encounters are never easy, particularly in the first 10 minutes of the game.
Mkhize emphasized the importance of winning against their city rivals, stating that her team cannot afford to lose to Swallows. She praised the supporters for standing behind the team and encouraged her players to continue fighting for the badge. According to Mkhize, the team's mandate is clear: to go out there and fight for the badge. The win over Swallows was a significant one, given the intense rivalry between the two teams.
The Highlanders AM president also highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, warning that the team would not give up on its ambitions. She assured that they would battle until the final whistle, as anything is possible in the game of football. Mkhize's determination and commitment to the team are evident in her leadership style, which has been instrumental in shaping the team's identity.
Mkhize was officially unveiled as the President of Mbabane Highlanders, fondly known as the 'Black Bull', in July 2025. Her appointment involved a multi-year management contract/partnership with the club's leadership structure to run and administer the team. As part of her vision, she introduced her trademark 'AM' to the club's identity, representing her son, Andile Mpisane.
The introduction of 'AM' to the club's branding was accompanied by temporary modifications to the team's colours, incorporating gold into the traditional black-and-white colours. This move was aimed at mirroring her previous Royal AM enterprise. Mkhize's influence on the team has been significant, and her leadership has helped to drive the team's success.
The victory over Mbabane Swallows has kept Highlanders AM's hopes alive of lifting the Charity Cup trophy. The team will face stiff competition in the semi-finals, but Mkhize's confidence and determination are likely to inspire her players to perform at their best. The team's supporters will be eagerly anticipating the semi-finals, hoping that their team can go all the way to the final.
The win over Swallows was a significant milestone for Highlanders AM, and Mkhize's leadership has been instrumental in achieving this success. Her commitment to the team and her vision for its future are clear, and it will be interesting to see how the team performs in the semi-finals of the Charity Cup.
Key points
- Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize urges Mbabane Highlanders to keep fighting for the badge after their 2-0 win over Mbabane Swallows.
