The Betway Premiership match between Royal AM and Orlando Pirates, initially scheduled for Thursday, 23 January 2025, at the Harry Gwala Stadium, has been officially postponed. This comes despite earlier assurances from Royal AM’s general manager, Richard Makhoba, that the club was ready to host the fixture. Makhoba had been adamant that the match would go ahead, but circumstances have proven otherwise.
Royal AM vs Pirates: Royal AM Matches Suspended
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has reportedly decided to halt all of Royal’s matches, including their upcoming Nedbank Cup clash against Milford FC on Monday. The immediate concern for the PSL is ensuring the takeover by a curator appointed by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) does not completely destabilise the team, a condition that has not yet been established.
Its financial struggles are well-documented. Club president Shauwn Mkhize’s Durban homes were raided, and luxury cars were seized last year as SARS sought to recoup a R40-million tax debt. These financial woes have also impacted the club’s operations, leading to delayed salaries for November and December. The salary delays prevented the team from travelling to Gqeberha for their fixture against Chippa United two weeks ago.
FIFA Ban Adds to Struggles
Adding to their challenges is a FIFA ban preventing them from signing players until they settle a R15-million debt owed to striker Samir Nurkovic. The situation remains dire, with the PSL also suspending their DStv Diski Challenge team back in October due to an insufficient number of players.
Makhoba’s Assurances
As recently as Tuesday, Makhoba had claimed the club was prepared to host Orlando Pirates, citing that 37 players were registered and ready to play. However, the unfolding developments have made it clear that Royal AM’s matches will not go ahead until further notice.
Impact on the League and Teams
The suspension of Royal AM’s fixtures has wide-reaching implications. For Orlando Pirates, this postponement disrupts their campaign as they aim to remain in the title race. For Royal AM, currently sitting 15th in the league standings, the halt to their matches further compounds their precarious position.
A Troubling Precedent
The current state of Royal AM highlights the consequences of financial mismanagement in football. While the PSL has stepped in to ensure the integrity of the league, the long-term future of the club remains uncertain. Fans of Royal AM and Orlando Pirates will need to wait for further updates on when the fixture may be rescheduled.
For now, it seems unlikely that Royal AM will return to action any time soon. As the financial and operational issues persist, the club’s ability to remain competitive in the Betway Premiership hangs in the balance.
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