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By Mgcini Dube | 2025-02-01
SOCCER – Former Mbabane Highlanders Director and Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo has stated that the club will never be sold to a single individual. Instead, he clarified that an individual may only be granted the right to manage the team for a specific period.
The outspoken former administrator shared sentiments during the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) Radio Sports Show yesterday morning and emphasised that Mbabane Highlanders belongs to its supporters, and it was misleading for some individuals to claim ownership of the team.
“It is well-known that someone claims to have bought an 80 per cent share in the team, but I wonder who sold those shares to him. When he arrived, the team was under the leadership of myself and Zweli Jele. We never sold shares to anyone. Instead, he simply formed a company with his associates and made private agreements,” he said.
Khumalo further questioned the legitimacy of the alleged sale, arguing that the club has always belonged to its supporters.
"Highlanders cannot be sold because it does not belong to any single individual. It operates like a parliamentary system—where leaders are elected to represent the people for a certain period.
If someone buys the club, what exactly are they purchasing? The players? The supporters? The patrons? Those claiming to have sold the club are misleading the public. Even now, 'Rubber' Simelane is not buying the team; he is simply managing it,” he added.
He also urged Mbabane Highlanders supporters to refrain from inciting violence and instead focus on supporting the current director for the team's progress.
"Our club's history has not been good, and it is time for change. The director needs the full backing of those who call themselves true Mbabane Highlanders supporters.
“The reality is that supporters themselves have contributed to the club’s downfall. I urge them to change and do things the right way to restore Highlanders to its former glory," he said.
Mbabane Highlanders Managing Director Ally Kgomongwe strongly refuted Khumalo’s remarks, describing them as misleading.
"Perhaps he just wanted to be on the radio and talk. I am the rightful owner of the team, this is documented and we followed all the legal registration processes.
For his information, some shares belong to supporters and patrons. I have never seen him in our meetings or engaging with the team. I have been managing Highlanders for three years and it is only now that he decides to make such discouraging comments," he said.
Kgomongwe further stated that he was running Highlanders in good faith and had no intention of selling the club.
"I am not desperate to sell the team. My focus is on ensuring Highlanders reaches greater heights," he said.
…Mp Khumalo says league
needs Wanderers back
SOCCER - Without delving into the details of Manzini Wanderers’ ongoing issues, MP Khumalo urged the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) to carefully address the matter and ensure that the fan-favourite team returns to top-flight football.
He emphasised the importance of running football clubs transparently and cited the late Victor ‘Maradona’ Gamedze as an example of strong leadership.
"The issue of Wanderers must be handled decisively to find a lasting solution. This team has a massive following and remains one of the country’s biggest football clubs.
We must start the year on a positive note. I will not go into details about the case out of respect for the legal proceedings," he stated.
Khumalo also urged PLE officials to reconsider the heavy fines imposed on clubs for misconduct, as many teams are already struggling financially.
"You cannot impose a E100 000 fine when even those enforcing the fines do not have such an amount. The PLE is fully aware that clubs are in a dire financial situation, yet they continue to drain them further. There is room for better solutions.
That being said, we do not condone unsporting behaviour or misconduct," he added.
Meanwhile, PLE acting CEO Petros ‘Pat’ Vilakati declined to comment on the matter.
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