MANZINI — Flamboyant South African businesswoman Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize joined ecstatic supporters in the stands as Mbabane Highlanders AM thrashed rivals Mbabane Swallows 4-0 on Wednesday.
The emphatic result marks Highlanders’ biggest victory over their fierce cross-town rivals, signalling a powerful start to Eswatini’s traditional curtain-raiser for the new Premier League season.
Watching initially from the VIP section, an elated ‘MaMkhize’ strolled down to the basement of the stands to join the fan celebrations shortly after her team notched their third goal. The revelry continued post-match, with the club president dancing near the technical area after the final whistle.
“I would like to thank my boys, the technical tea, and the management for believing me in this project,” ‘MaMkhize’ stated following the landmark victory.
Wednesday’s triumph marked ‘MaMkhize’s third derby encounter since taking over the ‘Black Bull’. Having suffered a 0-1 loss in her debut fixture in January before securing a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in May, this four-goal spectacle firmly establishes her rebuilding vision.
Since her arrival in July 2025 on a three-year operational management contract , taking over from departed Director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane, ‘MaMkhize’ has aggressively restructured the team. The shift to Eswatini followed her high-profile exit from South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) after Royal AM’s expulsion due to tax issues, leading to a temporary rebrand of the ‘Bull’ with gold accents alongside their classic black and white.
Chasing their first league title since 2001, Highlanders have heavily drawn on South African talent. South African tactician Floyd ‘Mourinho’ Mogale was appointed in July 2026, supported by Goalkeeper Coach Brilliant Khuzwayo and a playing squad featuring key personnel like S’phiwe Cele.
‘MaMkhize’ assured fans that further reinforcements are coming, promising two additional attacking signings following the recent arrivals of former Sihlangu goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo, Vukile Khumalo and Phila Dlamini.
