‘MaMkhize’, Ally set for early mini-derby in Eswatini

MBABANE – South Africa’s Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize and Chief Ally Kgomongwe are set to face off early in the Eswatini MTN Premier League.

A draft fixture released by the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has scheduled the two South Africans for an early ‘home-away-from-home’ mini-derby as Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Black Eagles, formerly Amawele, will face off in week two.

This fixture looks set to be one of the early talking points of the campaign, as Black Eagles are thought to be the preferred destination for a section of the breakaway ‘Black Bull’ fans.

The rivalry has been simmering ever since Kgomongwe returned to Eswatini football after almost two seasons on the sidelines. The man nicknamed ‘Ally the Great’ first took control of ‘The Black Bull’ in 2019, only to be forced out amid bitter infighting during the 2024/25 season.

He was eventually succeeded by fellow South African ‘MaMkhize’ at the start of last season, after caretaker director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane was also shown the door.

Upon his few days of return, Kgomongwe appears to have capitalised on the divisions that rocked the ‘Bull’s kraal for the better part of the 2025/26 season. His new side’s logo centres on an eagle – surprisingly similar to the imagery long associated with his former club – while black and white have been revealed as the traditional colours.

Those same colours were a major bone of contention among Highlanders supporters last season, with some fans refusing to associate themselves with the black, white and gold strip of ‘MaMkhize’s team. The club, however, has since reverted to its original colours and logos this season.

Yet at the recent 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, which concluded last week on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Floyd Mogale’s Highlanders side showed notable unity in the stands, suggesting the wounds may have healed.

The tentative week two game also doubles as a mini-derby of the capital and the South African directors. Highlanders will be keen to stake an early consolidated claim for bragging rights in the city after recently thrashing Mbabane Swallows 4-0 in the Trade Fair Cup. Black Eagles will also be looking to cause an early upset.

When the two teams finally lock horns, both sides will be determined to stand their ground and make a statement for their respective bosses. It will mark the first meeting between the two South African-controlled clubs – and neither is expected to take a step backwards.

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