Mkhize Reflects on Tumultuous Royal AM Journey and PSL Expulsion with Regret

Shauwn Mkhize, the former president of Royal AM, has shared her regrets about joining the Premier Soccer League (PSL), citing the rocky path and her team’s eventual removal from the league.

In an honest discussion with SNAWA’s Andile Ncube, Mkhize looked back on the difficulties she encountered while in the PSL, stating,

“Yes, it’s no longer. A lot has transpired, and people often say, ‘what goes around comes around’. The way I made my entry into the league wasn’t conventional; I shouldn’t have entered through the back door.”

Mkhize acquired Real Kings in the Motsepe Foundation Championship in 2019 and subsequently rebranded it as Royal AM.

In August 2021, she purchased the Premiership license from Bloemfontein Celtic, enabling Thwihli Thwahla to play in thehighest division.

However, her experience was shadowed by controversies and financial challenges. In January 2025, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) filed a preservation order against the club due to outstanding tax obligations.

The situation deteriorated when players did not receive their salaries for December 2024, prompting the PSL to postpone the club’s upcoming matches.

In March 2025, SARS moved to auction the club. The final straw came in April when the PSL’s Board of Governors decided to expel Royal AM from the league.

Mkhize conveyed her sorrow over the expulsion, expressing a desire for a different resolution.

“Honestly, this was painful,” she admitted.

She underscored the necessity of appointing knowledgeable personnel to manage assets, particularly within the soccer sector.

“When a football team is prevented from playing, it essentially becomes worthless, which is why I hope they could have brought in someone with football expertise.”

On the SARS investigation, Mkhize clarified that Royal AM was wrongly included, as the club did not owe anything to the revenue service.

“The unfortunate reality is that Royal AM didn’t owe SARS a dime and was not involved in any issues. It’s regrettable that Royal AM was dragged into this, but there’s an ongoing investigation between us and SARS.”

Mkhize has now taken on a new quest, acquiring Mbabane Highlanders in Eswatini’s premier league and rebranding it as Mbabane Highlanders AM.

Despite the hurdles she faced, Mkhize remains determined, stating, “In the end, I’ve come to terms with the life I will be living with them.”