Royal AM’s Delayed Sale Leads to Player Departures

The extended delay in selling Royal AM’s Betway Premiership status is causing considerable instability within the PSL.

This unpredictability is prompting a player exodus, raising alarms about Royal AM’s capacity to field a competitive squad if they are required to finish their remaining league matches.

Several PSL clubs are taking advantage of the situation by acquiring players from Royal AM. Sekhukhune United recently added Khulekani Shezi to their roster, who came off the bench during their 1-0 Nedbank Cup quarterfinal defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday.

Golden Arrows have also signed Shadrack Kobedi, Sabelo Sithole, and Ayabule Maxwele. Interestingly, after their win against Kaizer Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, Arrows’ coach Manqoba Mngqithi voiced his confusion regarding the circumstances surrounding these additions, noting that Sithole had been rested due to a heavy training regimen.

Compounding Royal AM’s challenges, defender Sbangani Zulu and attacking midfielder Mfundo Thikazi have made their way to Richards Bay. The legality of these transfers is questionable, as Royal AM is currently under the administration of a curator appointed by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), who is tasked with recovering an alleged R40 million debt owed by club owner Shauwn Mkhize.

SARS took control of Mkhize’s assets in November, which resulted in the suspension of Royal AM’s league matches. With 19 games still outstanding, the club last played on December 29, suffering a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy. Milford, scheduled to face Royal AM in the Nedbank Cup, received a bye.

A last-minute proposed sale to Durban businessman Chockalingam “Roy” Moodley fell through, as his Global Investment company failed to finalize the necessary payment to SARS.

Curator Jaco Venter has updated the PSL Executive Committee, which is now deliberating on Royal AM’s future involvement in the league. SARS has hinted at potential legal action against Global Investment; however, sources at Sportswire inform that Moodley remains intent on acquiring the club.

As a result of this deadlock, the PSL is reportedly contemplating the elimination of relegation for the current season and the potential expansion of the league to 18 teams for the 2025/26 season. This decision, awaiting approval from the PSL Executive Committee, would likely include the promotion of the top two clubs from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.