Andile Mpisane Confirms Return to Professional Football with Mbabane Highlanders AM

Former Royal AM chairman Andile Mpisane has confirmed his return to professional football, reigniting his playing career after a period away from the pitch. The 24-year-old shared the news on his Instagram story, posting a photo of himself in Royal AM colours with the caption, “I am back,” accompanied by the Eswatini flag, the number 10, and fire-flame emojis.

Media reports from Eswatini indicate that Mpisane has been officially registered as one of ten new players at Mbabane Highlanders AM. He is expected to wear the iconic number 10 jersey as he resumes competitive football under the club owned by his mother, businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize.

Mpisane’s football journey began at Royal Eagles, a National First Division side previously co-owned by his parents, before moving to Real Kings, which was later rebranded as Royal AM following his parents’ split. In 2021, MaMkhize purchased the PSL status of Bloemfontein Celtic, relocating the club to KwaZulu-Natal and rebranding it as Royal AM.

At Royal AM, Andile served both as chairman and a registered player. His tenure ended when the PSL disbanded the club due to unresolved tax issues with the South African Revenue Service, placing the team under curatorship.

This July, MaMkhize re-entered football as president of Eswatini top-tier club Mbabane Highlanders, immediately rebranding the team as Mbabane Highlanders AM. Her acquisition and restructuring of the club have paved the way for Mpisane’s return on the field, continuing the family’s football legacy.

The young star will look to make an impact in Eswatini football, bringing his experience from the South African leagues back to competitive action. Fans will be watching closely to see if Mpisane can replicate his influence on the pitch as he did in management, now stepping fully into his playing role.