Football

MBABANE – The division at Mbabane Highlanders has now spilled over to the terraces, with the team’s loyal supporters also split over the ongoing leadership dispute.

Close to 100 Highlanders fans boycotted the club’s MTN Premier League opener against Nsingizini Hotspurs, a match the ‘Black Bull’ lost 1–0, courtesy of Joel Madondo’s strike. According to an insider, exactly 92 supporters opted to hold a parallel get-together instead, contributing E50 each for lunch and soft drinks at Vocational and Commercial Training Institute Matsapha (VOCTIM).

“We were 92, and the total came to E4 600. Some good Samaritans added more, bringing it to E5 800. We bought meat, drinks and spent the day together from 11am until around 9pm.,” said one supporter who preferred anonymity but shared attendance details.

When asked why they chose to boycott, the insider explained:

“We still believe the team was in the right hands of Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane, who was removed unfairly despite having signed an 18-month contract. We’ll continue our boycott until he is reinstated as director. This is not against the players or the team but against the patron who removed him. Under Simelane, the club was better run.”

This is not the first time the supporters have acted in protest. During the recent 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, a section of Highlanders fans openly celebrated the team’s 2-0 defeat to Ezulwini United in the Last 16, viewing it as symbolic defiance against the current leadership.

Now, rather than attending matches, the group has resorted to a total boycott, insisting that their presence at the stadium would mean financially supporting Highlanders under a leadership they no longer recognise.

Full article available in our publication.

Mbabane Highlanders’ Siyabonga Mkhonto (R) scans his next move, while Nsingizini Hotspurs’ Mlungisi Hlatjwako presses on during their opening MTN Premier League fixture at Mavuso Sports Centre on Saturday. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)