Royal AM players have received much-needed relief with news of the club’s sale as they resumed training this past Thursday after months of uncertainty. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) executive committee is set to confirm the new ownership, marking an end to a turbulent period for the club and the League, which suffered considerable damage to its reputation.
Challenges and Postponements
Based in KwaZulu-Natal, Royal AM has faced multiple challenges this season, leading to the postponement of 13 matches, including a Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash against Milford FC, which resulted in a walkover for the latter due to time constraints.
New Ownership and Relief for Players
According to reports from SABC Sport, a Durban businessman has acquired the club from SARS, who had placed the previous owner, Shauwn Mkhize, in default over tax issues amounting to R40 million. As a result, the club was placed under the control of a curator. The new owner is said to have outbid several competitors from Mpumalanga, Free State, Gauteng, and even DR Congo.
Training Resumes Amid Ownership Shift
On Tuesday, players were informed of the sale and instructed to return to training on Thursday. The PSL is expected to finalise the details of the deal soon, including arrangements for the remaining fixtures, some of which were previously affected by the crisis.
A Promising Future for the Players
Royal AM’s new owner, who remains unnamed, has reportedly promised substantial bonuses to the players as an incentive to keep the club from relegation. Currently, Royal AM is at the bottom of the 16-team Premiership table with only eight points from 11 matches.
Uncertainty Over Home Ground
It is still unclear whether the club will continue to play at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg or relocate to Durban. Their last match was a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy on 29 December, and their next fixture is set for 5 April against Magesi FC, pending the PSL’s confirmation.
A Difficult Start to 2025
Royal AM has not played any games in 2025, as the club has been in limbo since January following the takeover by a SARS-appointed curator. After a bidding process that involved notable figures, including Mkhonto weSizwe MP David “Mazolman” Skhosana and an investor linked to sports minister Gayton McKenzie, the Durban businessman emerged as the successful bidder.
Approval Pending from PSL
While the new ownership still requires formal approval from the PSL, the club is expected to remain in KwaZulu-Natal. However, the decision regarding their home ground remains uncertain, with the possibility of a move to Durban still on the table.
New Owner’s Incentive to Avoid Relegation
With the team facing relegation, the new owner has reportedly promised a significant financial reward if the players can secure the club’s survival in the top-flight league. However, the club also faces the challenge of catching up on missed games, as many other teams in the Betway Premiership have already played far more fixtures. The PSL is expected to announce how Royal AM will make up for lost time once the new ownership is officially confirmed.
Ongoing FIFA Transfer Ban
Additionally, the club is still under a global FIFA transfer ban due to outstanding payments to Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic and Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento. This, combined with the club’s financial crisis, means the new owners will need substantial resources to rescue the troubled team.
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