Royal AM, already facing significant financial difficulties, is now under even greater scrutiny after the PSL suspended the club’s upcoming league and cup matches due to their ongoing struggles. The Natal-based side, which has been battling severe cash flow issues, was set to play Orlando Pirates on January 23, 2025, but despite prior assurances from the club, the match was called off by the PSL. This latest development adds to the growing list of setbacks that have plagued the club, leaving fans, players, and officials alike frustrated and concerned about its future.
The suspension of these fixtures marks the latest chapter in a tumultuous period for Royal AM, who have not played a competitive match since December 29, 2024, when they suffered a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy. The lack of activity on the pitch has only fueled growing tensions, especially as players have recently been barred from training due to unpaid salaries. The club’s financial crisis has reached a critical point, with no clear resolution in sight. The fact that Royal AM has been unable to pay its staff has led to a breakdown in morale, and the situation has now escalated to the point where the club cannot even honor its training schedules.
The 2024/2025 season has proven to be a nightmare for Royal AM, who find themselves languishing near the bottom of the PSL table. Currently sitting in second-last place, just one point above the relegation-threatened Magesi FC, the club’s future in South Africa’s top flight is hanging by a thread. Royal AM’s struggles have been compounded by a FIFA-imposed transfer ban, which has prevented the club from bringing in new players. The transfer ban stems from unresolved financial disputes with two former players—Ricardo Nascimento and Samir Nurkovic—who were awarded a combined payout of R12 million. The ongoing financial issues have left the club in a precarious position, unable to make moves in the transfer market or even improve their current squad.
On top of these challenges, the club is also under investigation by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for an outstanding R40 million debt. This investigation has added a new layer of pressure on the club’s owner, Shauwn Mkhize, who has already been facing criticism for her management of the club’s finances. Many fans have expressed their frustration on social media, calling for Mkhize to sell the club to someone with the resources to properly support it. There have been growing calls for the PSL to take action, with some supporters suggesting that points should be awarded to rival teams in the wake of Royal AM’s failure to meet its commitments.
The ongoing turmoil at Royal AM has sparked widespread debate about the state of football in South Africa, particularly regarding how clubs are managed and how the league deals with financial mismanagement. Royal AM’s situation has highlighted the vulnerabilities that some clubs face when financial discipline is not maintained, and the broader ramifications for the league are beginning to be felt. With the club unable to pay its staff and failing to meet basic operational requirements, many are questioning how long it can continue operating in its current state.
As the season progresses, the pressure on Royal AM intensifies. The team’s financial instability and mounting debt have led to a sense of uncertainty among players, fans, and officials. With no clear solution in sight and little room for maneuver, the club is facing an uphill battle to stay afloat in the PSL. Fans of rival teams, as well as neutral observers, are eagerly watching the situation unfold, with many wondering whether Royal AM will be able to resolve its financial problems in time to salvage its season, or whether the club will be forced to make drastic decisions that could shape its future in South African football.
The outcome of the investigation by SARS and the resolution of the financial disputes could determine the fate of the club. In the meantime, however, Royal AM’s continued struggles have left a sour taste in the mouths of those who have been following their rise through the ranks of South African football. As the club’s future hangs in the balance, one thing is clear: significant changes will need to be made if Royal AM is to recover from this crisis and remain a competitive force in the PSL.
