MaMkhize’s Back! Shauwn Mkhize’s Club Set For Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup

Controversial South African businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize is set for a dramatic return to domestic football as her Eswatini-based club, Mbabane Highlanders AM, prepares to feature in the prestigious Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup in Ulundi this Saturday.

The PSL expelled MaMkhize and terminated Royal AM’s league membership during the 2024/25 campaign. This drastic decision followed Royal AM’s failure to honor their second-half fixtures, prompting the league to deduct points and forfeit their games.

The collapse came as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) actively sought to recover a tax debt of nearly R40 million. When SARS failed to find a buyer to rescue the franchise, the club vanished from the top flight.

Undeterred, MaMkhize bought Eswatini giants Mbabane Highlanders, rebranding them as Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. She immediately added her son Andile Mpisane’s initials to the name and traded the club’s traditional black-and-white kit for a striking black-and-gold design.

This weekend’s pre-season tournament honors the late Zulu prince, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away in 2023. Joining the Eswatini outfit in Ulundi are Betway Premiership giants AmaZulu FC, Eswatini treble-winners Nsingizini Hotspurs, and regional SAFA ABC Motsepe League side Ulundi United.

Nsingizini Hotspurs, coached by South African tactician Mandla Qogi, enter the tournament on a high after securing a historic domestic treble last season. They also shared last year’s Legacy Cup trophy with AmaZulu after torrential rain left the pitch at the Prince Mangosuthu Regional Stadium waterlogged.

Established in 2017, the tournament’s inaugural trophy went to Bloemfontein Celtic. Since then, the cup has hosted various African giants, including Mamelodi Sundowns, who famously crashed out in the 2018 semi-finals against AmaZulu.

Local hospitality businesses in the Zululand District expect a massive economic boost, with hotels and B&Bs in the area booking out fast ahead of Saturday’s football fiesta.

Saturday’s Match Schedule: