MaMkhize to host major Mbabane Highlanders celebration in Eswatini

South African businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize will host a major celebration for Mbabane Highlanders AM in Eswatini on Saturday, with two cows due to be slaughtered as the club marks its history and presents its new players and technical team.

The event will take place in Mbabane and is expected to bring together the club’s supporters, patrons and wider football community.

Mkhize, the former Royal AM boss, is preparing to begin her second season as president of Mbabane Highlanders AM after taking charge of the club.

She has already appointed Floyd Mogale as head coach at the Bulls ahead of the new season, with the club also set to unveil its latest signings and new kit during Saturday’s programme.

Mbabane Highlanders AM team manager Richard Makhoba confirmed that the festivities had been arranged as part of the club’s ongoing celebration of its identity and history.

“The celebration is about the history and the unity at the club. We’re looking forward to welcoming the club’s supporters and the patrons on Saturday,” Makhoba told KickOff.

“We will be unveiling new players and a new kit, and also officially introducing the technical team to the club’s supporters.”

The Eswatini Premier League side is currently in South Africa for pre-season training. As part of its preparations, Highlanders are scheduled to travel to Naturena on Friday for a practice match against Kaizer Chiefs.

The fixture will provide the team with further preparation before the start of the upcoming campaign, while the following day’s event will give supporters the opportunity to meet the club’s new players and coaching staff officially.

Changes elsewhere in Eswatini football

One of Mbabane Highlanders AM’s rivals in the Eswatini Premier League, Tabankulu Celtics, has also made a change in its technical department.

The club has appointed South African coach Sonnyboy Zitha as its new manager. Zitha succeeds former Kaizer Chiefs coach Humphrey Mlwane and has agreed to a one-year contract, with the option of an extension depending on his success.

His appointment had previously been revealed earlier in the week, before Celtics boss Dumisani Msibi confirmed that Zitha would take charge ahead of the new season.

“We have brought in Sonnyboy as the head coach. He is a young and upcoming coach and deserves the opportunity. I believe he will do well in Eswatini,” Msibi told KickOff.

There has also been movement at another Eswatini Premier League club. South African businessman All Kgomongwe has bought Amawele FC and has renamed the team Black Tigers as preparations continue for the new season.