SABC Sport reports that Royal AM’s matches have been officially called off, contradicting reassurances from the club’s general manager, Richard Makhoba. This development impacts the Betway Premiership fixture against Orlando Pirates, originally slated for Thursday night at the Harry Gwala Stadium. Despite Makhoba’s earlier claims that the match would proceed, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) intervened, requesting guarantees about the club’s operational stability following the South African Revenue Service (SARS) appointing a curator. By Thursday afternoon, these assurances had yet to be provided.
Royal AM has been grappling with financial instability since SARS moved to recover a R40-million tax debt. Last year, SARS raided properties owned by club president Shauwn Mkhize in Durban, seizing luxury vehicles. The financial challenges have worsened, leading to delays in salary payments for November and December. The club also failed to travel to Gqeberha for a match against Chippa United two weeks ago.
On Tuesday, Makhoba assured SABC Sport that the club had 37 registered players and was ready to host Orlando Pirates. However, subsequent developments reveal that the PSL has canceled all Royal AM fixtures, including their upcoming Nedbank Cup match against Milford FC scheduled for Monday.
The club’s troubles are compounded by a FIFA ban prohibiting Royal AM from signing new players until they settle a R15-million debt owed to striker Samir Nurkovic. This has left the team unable to strengthen their squad. Furthermore, in October, the PSL suspended Royal AM’s DStv Diski Challenge team due to insufficient player numbers.
With these mounting challenges, Royal AM’s return to competitive action remains uncertain. The combination of financial woes, regulatory penalties, and operational setbacks signals a turbulent period for the club’s future in South African football.