SOCCER – The much-anticipated name change of Mbabane Highlanders FC to Mbabane Highlanders AM FC has been put on hold following a failure to meet the required submission deadline.
The decision was confirmed during the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Ordinary General Assembly held yesterday at Sigwaca House Hall. Despite the presence of Highlanders President Shauwn Mkhize and renowned lawyer Nkosingivile Dlamini, the name change could not be finalized.
According to PLE procedures, the name change was to be endorsed by the assembly. With the missed deadline, the club will continue to participate in all PLE activities and fixtures under the name Mbabane Highlanders FC for the foreseeable future.
During the meeting, the PLE assembly approved the name changes of four other clubs:
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Illovo → Ubombo Sugar
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Denver Sundowns → Manzini Sundowns
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Pigg’s Peak Rangers → Mankayane United
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Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows → Pigg’s Peak Professionals
Preparations for the New Season
Speaking after the meeting, Mkhize assured supporters that preparations for the new season were progressing well:
“We are excited about the upcoming season. On August 27, we will unveil our full squad, the new club logo, our technical team, and our kit ahead of our opening fixture against Ezulwini United in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mkhize remains embroiled in a legal dispute with the club’s former director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane.
Addressing Club Ownership Challenges
During his opening remarks, PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini highlighted the urgent need for club reform:
“We are mindful of the growing concerns around club ownership, which has become a pressing issue and a potential threat to the stability and sustainability of football in the country.”
Dlamini announced the formation of a special PLE committee tasked with developing clear guidelines to help clubs transition from community-based entities to company-registered structures. The committee will also provide model constitutions and assist in strengthening club frameworks to improve professionalism and long-term sustainability.
“This initiative will ensure that our clubs are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving football landscape while protecting the integrity of the game,” he concluded.
2025/26 PLE Club Name Changes
| Club | Status |
|---|---|
| Illovo → Ubombo Sugar | Approved |
| Denver Sundowns → Manzini Sundowns | Approved |
| Pigg’s Peak Rangers → Mankayane United | Approved |
| Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows → Pigg’s Peak Professionals | Approved |
| Mbabane Highlanders → Mbabane Highlanders AM FC | Pending |
