MANZINI – Trendsetters Highlanders AM FC players left the pitch in a walk of shame following a 2-0 defeat to Ezulwini United in a pulsating encounter yesterday. 

This was during their 2025 8Bet Trade Fair Cup opening game staged at a packed Mavuso Sports Centre. 

MTN Premier League giants Mbabane Highlanders arrived in their newly-unveiled luxurious coach for this occasion.

A Volvo branded in their new black and gold logo, which is a different model from the one used by Royal AM in South Africa. Meanwhile, their South African flamboyant boss, Shauwn ‘Mamkhize’ Mkhize, followed the bus leading a fleet of motor vehicles, including two 2018 Mercedes V-class Maybach Buses.

Among notable figures were Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo and his Tinkhundla Administration and Development counterpart Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Dvokodvweni Member of Parliament (MP) and Sports Portfolio Committee Chairman Sifiso ‘Haizo’ Shabalala and renowned South Africa  football fanatic Mama Joy, who declared she was here as a number one fan of Highlanders. 

Upon her arrival, ‘MaMkhize’ entertained Highlanders supporters as she joined them in song, emerging from the sunroof of her red Benz  in delight, carrying a cow skull written the phrase ‘MaMkhize says yes to Bull’ using a marker with the old white and black logo next to this writing.

Her players led by new Captain Siphamandla ’24 Reasons’ Maseko, were dressed in a Royal AM kit during their warm-up session, just like returning Head Coach Ernest Mavuso, who in this moment, projected his voice to issue instructions during their clash.