Shauwn Mkhize also spoke about her ongoing dispute SARS
Katlego Sekhu
South African businesswoman and reality TV star Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize has spoken out about her ongoing dispute with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the expulsion of Royal AM from the Premier Soccer League (PSL), and her latest acquisition of Mbabane Highlanders FC in Eswatini.
In a candid conversation with broadcaster Andile Ncube, MaMkhize reflected on a turbulent period in both her business and football life.
“In football it is a rollercoaster, but in my world it has been fine. I don’t allow the noise of the world to derail me or change me. Personally, I am okay,” she said.
On Royal AM’s Expulsion from the PSL
MaMkhize admitted that the way Royal AM’s tenure ended was both painful and disappointing.
“I broke the wall instead of entering through the front door. Yes, I love setting trends, but honestly, this was painful.
I wish it had been handled differently. Do I want to set the trend of owning the first club to get expelled? No.”
Royal AM was expelled from the PSL after the league’s Board of Governors voted to remove the club, following months of financial instability and administrative turmoil. MaMkhize addressed the expulsion by emphasising how valuable status is in football.
“When a team is not allowed to play, it is as good as nothing. I wish they had brought in somebody. I run different types of businesses, and Royal AM was one of them. When SARS decided to conduct a full investigation into all my linked assets, Royal AM was part of that.”
Apology to Bloemfontein Celtic Fans
MaMkhize also issued a public apology to Bloemfontein Celtic supporters, acknowledging the pain caused when she rebranded the club after purchasing its PSL status.
“The club got caught in the fire, and today I want to apologise profusely for changing the name. I could have done better. I should have done what I am doing now – acquiring an existing club without changing its identity.”
She expressed her commitment to preserving the identity of her new club, Mbabane Highlanders, and assured fans that the same mistake would not be repeated.
“Mbabane has structure, history, supporters. I told myself, I cannot break them again. I’ll add my signature, but I will allow people who love Mbabane Highlanders to continue loving it without breaking their hearts. I also want to say, I am sorry to Bloemfontein Celtic fans. But I believe I needed Royal AM, for the sake of my son. I owe him that.”
A Fresh Start in Eswatini
On her decision to acquire the Eswatini-based Mbabane Highlanders, MaMkhize said she is embracing a new chapter and a clean slate.
“It is a blank canvas. I like building things and contributing to changing people’s lives. There is no money in football unless you secure proper sponsorships,” she said.
As MaMkhize embarks on this new journey in Eswatini football, she does so with lessons learned from past experiences and a renewed sense of purpose.
Read Next: Kaizer Motaung awarded honorary doctorate by Wits University
