Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize was confirmed as the new president of Eswatini giants Mbabane Highlanders over the weekend.
Immediately after taking charge, Mkhize, who previously owned Royal AM, changed the club’s name to feature the letters “AM”, the initials of her son and heir, Andile Mpisane.
From now on, the club will be known as Mbabane Highlanders AM FC.
“We are proud to unveil the new official logo of Mbabane Highlanders AM F.C. – a symbol of strength, legacy, unity and ambition,” read a post on the club’s Instagram page announcing the rebranding.
And speaking at the ceremony on Saturday, Mkhize said: “Mbabane Highlanders is a symbol of pride, strength and tradition. And today marks a new chapter, not a takeover but a partnership. A merging of histories between Eswatini and South Africa, rooted in shared ambition and excellence.
“To the patrons, my heartfelt thanks for your trust. To the fans, you are the soul of this club. Together, we will raise the standard, grow our talent and bring this club the success it deserves. My promise is simple: I will lead with integrity, vision and heart. We’re not here to participate; we’re here to elevate.”
Mbabane Highlanders are the most successful team in Eswatini with 13 league titles to their name. However, they haven’t been champions since 2001.
It remains to be seen how involved Mpisane will be with the new club. At Royal AM, another club named in his honour, he acted as chairman and player. Due to the transfer ban the club was handed at the beginning of last season, he featured in the first team often.
During their game against the mighty Kaizer Chiefs towards the end of last year, Mpisane struggled to make an impact as the Soweto giants ran up a 2–0 lead before half-time.
When Mpisane was taken off after the break, Royal AM started to find their groove, and they would eventually earn an encouraging 2-all draw. That game summed up much of Mpisane’s stint at Royal AM – controversial, unpredictable, and always under the spotlight.
As the “AM” era begins in Eswatini, all eyes will be on whether the new name brings the kind of results to match its bold ambitions.
IOL Sport
