BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Three of Mbabane Highlanders AM’s key players have emerged as transfer targets for clubs in South Africa, Zimbabwe and local giants Nsingizini Hotspurs, but the club says all three have chosen to remain at the black and white outfit ahead of the new season.
The club confirmed on Sunday that it had received formal enquiries and expressions of interest for midfielder Siyabonga Mkhonto, defender Sphiwe Cele and attacking player Msimisi Zwane following their impressive performances.
According to a statement issued by the club’s management, Mkhonto attracted interest from Nsingizini Hotspurs, while Cele was the subject of enquiries from two South African clubs. Zwane, meanwhile, has caught the attention of clubs in Zimbabwe.
The revelation comes amid growing speculation over the futures of the three players, with rumours suggesting they were on the verge of leaving the capital-based club before the start of the 2026/27 season.
Mbabane Highlanders said it had handled the matter professionally by informing each player of the interest received and allowing them to assess the opportunities in line with their personal and career ambitions.
“Following these discussions, all three players have communicated their desire to remain at Mbabane Highlanders AM and continue contributing to the club’s ongoing project,” the club said.
The club also dismissed speculation that any of the trio had already secured transfers, assuring supporters that Mkhonto, Cele and Zwane remain central to its plans for the upcoming campaign.
The statement is likely to come as welcome news for the Highlanders faithful, who have been anxious about the possibility of losing some of the team’s standout performers after attracting attention from clubs beyond Eswatini’s borders.
While confirming the interest, the club did not disclose the identities of the two South African clubs or the Zimbabwean teams that enquired about the players.
Highlanders further revealed that preparations for the new season are continuing, with management actively working to strengthen the squad while retaining its core group of players.
The club said any confirmed player arrivals or departures would be announced only through its official communication channels, urging supporters to disregard speculation circulating on social media.
The latest developments underline the growing reputation of Highlanders’ players, whose performances have increasingly attracted interest from clubs across the region. For now, however, the three sought-after stars will remain in the famous black and white colours as the club looks to mount a strong challenge in the upcoming season.
The statement concluded with a message of appreciation to supporters for their continued loyalty before rallying them behind the team with the club’s traditional battle cry: “Gwaza Nkunzi!”
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