An ownership saga involving South African businessman Alfred Ally Kgomongwe has cast a shadow on Shauwn Mkhize’s deal to take over Eswatini giants Mbabane Highlanders.
Kgomongwe, previously at the helm of Highlanders, is challenging the leadership of Bheki Simelane and questions the involvement of MaMkhize, who was recently introduced as the club’s new president.
Subsequently, the club was renamed Mbabane Highlanders AM to honour the initials of the businesswoman’s son, Andile Mpisane.
Kgomongwe, who also owns Botswana’s Extension Gunners, insists he holds 80 per cent of Highlanders’ shares and expressed concern over what he alleges is a questionable shift in club directorship to Simelane.
In an interview, Kgomongwe said that he owns 80% of the club, while two other officials in Swaziland own the other 20%. “I see that there is confusion as to who really owns Mbabane Highlanders FC. I am the rightful owner of that club,” he said.
“I’m not even sure how the Eswatini Premier Soccer League [EPSL] changed the directorship from me to Bheki Rubber Simelane. I own 80% of the club shares. Kenneth Dlamini owns 10% and Thembinkosi Mamba owns the other 10%. If there is supposed to be a change of ownership of Mbabane Highlanders, I am the only one with the rights and powers to decide who I can give the club to. They should talk to me.
“So, I don’t understand why Mr Rubber Simelane would want R1 million compensation while the team is not his. It’s my team. Even if Mbabane Highlanders can win the CAF Champions League or any trophy, the prize money won’t go to Rubber Simelane, but it will come to be because I am the rightful owner and director of Mbabane Highlanders.”
WHAT MBABANE HIGHLANDERS HAVE SAID ABOUT THE SITUATION
Responding to the claims, Highlanders’ public relations officer Lington Gule said Kgomongwe may have ties to Mbabane Highlanders Ltd, but not the football team itself.
“Mr Simelane is not holding onto power. He simply wants to be compensated for his financial contributions. You don’t cancel contracts without honouring obligations,” said Gule.
Gule further stated that Simelane is willing to transfer control to either Kgomongwe or Mkhize, but only if certain prior agreements are met.
When contacted for comment, Eswatini Premiership Soccer League [EPSL] CEO Pat Vilakati said he was not at liberty to comment on the matter.
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