Swazi Observer

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By NOMALUNGELO PHIRI | 2025-01-29

SOCCER - FORMER Mbabane Highlanders managing director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane, who is earmarked for the same position, has pleaded with concerned parties to sort out the ownership status of the team.

This comes after the businessman had a fruitful meeting with patrons at Bethel Court and Vineyard Hotel on Monday, where he agreed to rescue the team. What was left for him was to sign on the dotted line.

Sources close to the matter disclosed that the team wanted to tie Simelane for six months, while still finalising the new structure in the club. Reports suggest that the team will also scrape off the sole directorship structure, and return to the board of directors structure, as they believe it worked for them in the past.

Simelane recently confirmed meeting with the patrons.
“Yes, they wanted me to help the club for a short term. I told them to sort out the ownership status of the club since I know that there’s Mr Kgomongwe. Once they are done, we will put everything on paper,” he said.

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Meanwhile, Highlanders Managing Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe said he didn’t have a problem with Simelane taking over.

The director said the right procedure needed to be followed until any move was made.
The South Africa-born businessman was responding to claims that Simelane had been granted a six-month contract.

He maintained that he was still open to talks with the people who were now running the team provided they came to meet him in Pretoria, South Africa.

“If I was ‘Rubber’ I would first ask for proper and original documents of the team before taking over because he does not know the future of the team,” he said.

Kgomongwe reminded those who claimed to have terminated his contract that the team belonged to him.

“I hold 80 per cent shares in the team. No one can come and terminate any contract because I was running the team with my resources,” he claimed.

It has been established that the transfer of authority to Simelane took place in the presence of passionate supporters, where the club’s patrons granted Simelane temporary ownership of Mbabane Highlanders for the next six months.

CEO Masuku could not be drawn for comment. The current developments surrounding Mbabane Highlanders have sparked significant debate, particularly regarding the management and ownership transition in the team. This reflects ongoing tensions between different factions in the club, with ownership and management roles being contested.

The outcome of the developments will be crucial for the team's future and its relationship with supporters.

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