‘Rubber’ takes Patrons to court
Bheki 'Rubber' Simelane adressing the gathering.
By Sibusiso Masilela
The dispute over ownership of Mbabane Highlanders has now gone to court. Estranged club president Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane has taken the club to court following the termination of his 18-month contract about a month ago.
Simelane has instructed SM Jele Attorneys to help him regain control of the club.
This comes after the Patrons appointed South African businesswoman Shawn Mkhize as the club president, which led to the change of name for the team to Mbabane Highlanders AM FC.
Simelane claims he is still in charge and wants to be reinstated as president and board governor in the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE).
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He is also challenging Mkhize’s appointment as the club president in his prayers.
He further wants the suspension of the club’s Operations on an interim basis pending the finalisation of the matter. The matter is set to be argued on Monday, 11 August 2025.
Mkhize, Mbabane Highlanders, Patrons and the PLE were yet to file responding affidavits on the matter when compiling this report.
Other respondents include Shauwn Mkhize and the Premier League of Eswatini.
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Highlanders are currently in Pietermaritzburg, where they are holding their preseason camp. Mkhize has recently roped in former Green Mamba head coach Ernest Mavuso as the head coach.
Mavuso is assisted by ex-Amazulu FC Development Coach Ronnie Moroka. Other members of the technical bench include two legends, Sifiso ‘Barnes’ Mkhulisi and Phumuza Ntshangase.
Mkhize has further appointed a two-member board comprising his son, Andile Mpisane, and local businessman Fortune Nxumalo.