MBABANE – In a high-stakes ‘war cry’ caught on camera, Mbabane Highlanders President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize has delivered a chilling ultimatum to her players ahead of Sunday’s Mbabane Derby: “Go and die on the field.”
The flamboyant South African businesswoman and tycoon lit the fuse for the ‘Mother of all derbies’ during an address at the Inkunzi ’Emnyama clubhouse in Ezulwini. The footage, which has since gone viral after being shared on the club's official Facebook page, marks a sharp change in leadership style since she succeeded Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane last year.
Mkhize, who is no stranger to the pressures of professional football as the former owner of now-defunct Betway Premiership side Royal AM, pulled no punches. Addressing the squad before their high-voltage showdown with rivals Mbabane Swallows at Mavuso Sports Centre, her message was one of total sacrifice. “Go make me proud; go and die on the field of play,” she commanded, setting a brutal new standard for the ‘Black Bull’.
Sunday marks MaMkhize’s first taste of Eswatini’s most explosive football rivalry as president. Drawing on her experience from the South African top flight, she acknowledged the weight of her debut in the hot seat and warned the squad that internal friction would lead to certain defeat against Umkhonto KaShaka. “This is my first derby. Remember, divided we fall,” she cautioned, emphasising that unity is the only weapon capable of toppling the ‘Birds’.
In a match where bragging rights often outweigh league points, the Highlanders stars now head to Mavuso Sports Centre with a clear mandate from their new leader.
Mbabane Highlanders President Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)