Patrons hit back at ‘Rubber’

By Sibusiso Masilela

Mbabane Highlanders Patrons have hit back at the club’s former President, Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane.

The capital city giants’ veterans, through their Chairman Thembinkosi Mamba, say the termination of Simelane’s 18-month contract was lawful.

This is contained in his answering affidavits prepared by their lawyer, Emmanuel Shabangu from Robinson & Betrams Attorneys.

Simelane took the Patrons to court demanding his reinstatement as the capital city giants’ President following the termination of his 18-month contract.

“The termination of the management contract was lawful and the contract to the application assertion was never reinstated,” the Patrons said.

Mamba further averred that Simelane breached his contract after he allegedly failed to pay the players’ salaries during the 2024/25 season.

“This was, in essence, a contract for personal service because it entailed administering the club, paying salaries, and looking after the welfare of persons associated with the club.

It is established that parties to a personal service contract of this nature have at common lawful the law the right to terminate a contract. In the present Instance, the respondents terminated the management agreement on the grounds of breach,” Mamba said.

Simelane is also challenging the appointment of South African businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize as the capital city giants’ President.
He is represented by SM Jele Attorneys.

Mkhize has been cited as the third respondent on the matter, and she is represented by Nkosingivile Dlamini from Dynasty Inc. Attorneys.
Other respondents include the Premier League of Eswatini and the Eswatini Football Association.

The matter has been postponed to August 21, 2025, by Judge Titus Mlangeni.