Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize is the chairperson of Eswatini club Mbabane Highlanders.
Image: BackpagePix
Fans from Mbabane Highlanders AM, the club owned by Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, invaded the pitch and beat up the referee after their club was eliminated from the Ingwenyama Cup.
In the Round of 16 tie at Mavuso Sports Centre, chaos ensued after Nsingizini Hotspurs scored deep into stoppage time to win the game 1–0. Nsingizini Hotspurs are under the guidance of former Orlando Pirates reserves coach Mandla Qhogi.
Unhappy with the late goal, upset Mbabane Highlanders AM fans made their feelings known when they invaded the pitch, with some violently attacking the referee as he attempted to flee.
In a video posted on social media, the referee can be seen being violently kicked and stomped on after falling to the ground.
The club posted a message on their official Facebook page condemning the actions of their fans.
“A day that began with colour, noise and all the hallmarks of a classic cup tie at Mavuso Sports Centre ended in deeply worrying and disappointing circumstances,” the club wrote.
“The closing scenes fell short of the standards expected of the game and cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of football.
“We now await further guidance from the relevant authorities on the way forward.”
Mkhize was named as the Eswatini club’s chairperson before the season kicked off. This came months after her South African club, Royal AM, were kicked out of the PSL following a protracted saga after the club was put up for auction by SARS.
After being installed as Mbabane Highlanders’ chairperson, she proceeded to rebrand the club to include her son Andile Mpisane’s initials, AM.
IOL Sport