Coach John Maduka will hope that his Royal AM will be back on the pitch soon. Photo: BackpagePix
In the midst of a significant administrative crisis, Premiership side Royal AM remain upbeat in their intention to proceed with their Nedbank Cup fixture against Milford on Monday.
This resolve comes despite the PSL announcement on Wednesday that all matches involving the KwaZulu-Natal club have been suspended.
Royal AM, affectionately known as Thwihli Thwahla, expect to compete in the crucial last-32 round of the Ke Yona competition, despite the storm brewing within their management structure.
The club, owned by the controversial Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, are set to meet with the PSL executive on Friday to present their case, which could mean the difference between playing on Monday and a continued hiatus.
Mamkhize and her son have put the PSL into disrepute. Their love for clout robbed Bloemfontein Celtic fans & the people of FS their beloved club. The season might finish with only 15 teams competing without Royal AM. What does this do for the credibility of this league? Smh
— His Excellency (@eemz_em) January 22, 2025
Royal AM have not seen league action since their 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy on December 29.
Their scheduled away match against Chippa United on January 11 was postponed after reports surfaced of players and staff striking due to unpaid salaries.
The PSL had been expecting a joint letter of comfort (from the club management and curator) would be provided confirming the issues that led to the club being unable to meet their commitments (against Chippa United and Orlando Pirates) had been resolved.
However, having failed to do so, the club have been called before the football governing body and will know their fate over the weekend.
According to information reaching Independent Media Sport, every member of the club has been instructed to uphold their duties as usual, reinforcing an optimistic atmosphere in anticipation of their cup match against Milford.
The club’s troubles reached a crescendo when SARS initiated curatorship proceedings in an effort to reclaim a R40 million tax debt, with Mkhize’s lavish properties in Durban subjected to raids and luxury cars confiscated.
The behind-the-scenes turbulence at Royal AM isn’t just financial. It has increasingly drawn the attention of FIFA, particularly after the club received a transfer ban due to an outstanding R15 million owed to former striker Samir Nurkovic.
Despite the club’s attempts to manage the situation, non-compliance with Fifa’s ruling could lead to dire consequences, including potential point deductions or liquidation, a fate looming ever closer as reports of further action by SARS emerge.
The Premier Soccer League has suspended all fixtures involving Royal AM. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/aiylPigL20
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 22, 2025
With the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on the club’s meeting with the PSL executive.
Failure to provide satisfactory assurances regarding their operational capabilities could jeopardise not only their cup ambitions, but their very existence within South African football.
As Royal AM navigate these choppy waters, the fervour of their supporters remains unwavering, hoping the club can emerge from their current plight – not only to play in the Nedbank Cup, but to reclaim their stature in the PSL.
Head coach John Maduka’s men currently sit in the relegation zone in 15th position, but are just a point behind 14th-placed Richards Bay.