Eswatini football club Mbabane Highlanders AM have given an update on Andile Mpisane’s status after reports he had retired from football.
Mpisane, 24, joined his mother Shauwn Mkhize, who is the club’s president after taking over Highlanders in August last year.
‘MaMkhize’ previously owned Royal AM, the former Bloemfontein Celtic, but the club got expelled from the Premier Soccer League over the owners issues with the South African Revenue Service.
Mpisane, who featured as player for Royal AM, followed his mother to eSwatini and had started playing for the club but then picked up an injury which led to his de-registration, which had sparked rumours he had retired.
“Mbabane Highlanders AM has taken note of widespread reports circulating in the media suggesting that Andile Mpisane, who also serves as the Club’s Chairman, has retired from professional football. The Club wishes to categorically clarify that these reports are incorrect,” the club stated.
“Andile Misane has not retired. Following the injury sustained earlier this season, the Clubhas received a detailed medical prognosis advising that he should only resume full training no earlier than April 2026. By that stage, the current competitive season would be nearing its conclusion.
“In light of this medical guidance, and after careful consideration of the Club’s immediate sporting objectives and available regulatory options, management resolved to deregister Andile for the remainder of the current season.
“This decision was taken to create space within the Club’s foreign player quota, allowing for the registration of a player who can contribute immediately as the team pushes toward its targets for the season.
“Andile remains an active player, and his situation will be reviewed ahead of the next campaign. The Club remains hopeful that, following a full recovery, he will be in a position to return to the playing squad in the future.
“Mbabane Highlanders AM will continue to provide updates where necessary and appreciates the continued support and understanding of its supporters and stakeholders.”
