MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders have officially launched a defiant appeal against a series of crushing sanctions following the Mavuso Sports Centre mayhem.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) found the capital city giants guilty on three counts of misconduct, resulting in an E50000 fine and their immediate exit from the Ingwenyama Cup.
The ruling followed a marathon four-hour hearing at Sigwaca House, chaired by Thulani Sibandze. The charges stemmed from the abandonment of the ‘Black Bull’s’ Last 16 clash against Nsingizini Hotspurs, where supporters allegedly invaded the pitch to assault referee Celumusa Siphepho with just a minute of play remaining. The game was played late last month.
In a verdict delivered late at night, the DC fined the club E25 000 for causing the match abandonment and a further E50 000 for the serious offence of attacking the match official. A third charge for failing to control spectators drew a E3 000 fine. However, Chairman Sibandze clarified that the charges would run concurrently, leaving the club with a total financial penalty of E50 000.
The verdict comes at a turbulent time for the club under the presidency of South Africa’s popular businesswoman Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize. Since her high-profile arrival in July 2025, the South African businesswoman has rebranded the side with her signature gold livery and invested heavily. Yet, despite the influx of talent, the team remains mired in a difficult battle at the bottom of the MTN Premier League table.
In a scathing response, Highlanders expressed ‘deep disappointment’, alleging the verdict stood in stark contrast to the evidence presented. The club’s statement pointed to ‘elements of bias and prejudice’, claiming that official match reports conveniently omitted incidents that should have seen their opponents sanctioned.
While the club’s top flight status remains under pressure on the pitch, the battle has now shifted to the boardroom. The ‘Bull’’ have formally filed a Notice of Appeal, with club leadership urging supporters to remain ‘calm and resolute’, as they contest the E50 000 penalty and the forfeiture of their cup dream.
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