There is still no clarity regarding the future of Royal AM. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Comment by Herman Gibbs
When will Shauwn Mkhize come to her senses and finally learn that as a football club owner, she has commitments which cannot be sidestepped?
SARS have shared the latest developments around the embattled Royal AM club in a statement. It reflects Royal AM's arrogance and unrelenting defiance when dealing with matters they are forced to deal with.
In early January, SARS obtained a preservation order over the club's assets and operations. A curator was appointed to help the club resolve issues with SARS and secure permission to release funds for player and staff salaries.
Some time ago it came to light that Mkhize allegedly owed Sars nearly R40 million. The club owed a former player Samir Nurkovic R11.1 million after Fifa and the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in his favour. Fifa also ordered the club to pay another former player Ricardo Nascimento for unpaid wages.
Instead of acting on these orders, Mkhize tried to find a way out of these situations.
So much has transpired over the past few weeks, and instead of helping to bring a sense of normality to the club, Mkhize has approached the courts to dismiss the efforts of SARS and the PSL to bring her to book with the view to see the club up and running again.
Mkhize wanted the courts to force the curator to issue a letter of comfort to the National Soccer League, guaranteeing the club’s financial ability to fulfil its league fixtures. She felt this was important after the PSL suspended all their matches. She requested the court to compel the NSL to allow the club to play the remainder of the football season’s league and Nedbank Cup games.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court struck the matter from the roll with costs. It also dismissed the leave to appeal the court’s judgment, with costs.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter was baffled by Mkhize's decision to approach the court yet again in times of trouble. He said: "It boggles the mind that taxpayers will turn to courts with ease yet derelict in their responsibility to meet with their obligations with similar enthusiasm."
Reports earlier on Monday, indicated that the PSL executive committee are exploring the possibility of expulsion but perhaps the time has come for the PSL hierarchy to take Mkhize under their wing and help her in this crisis instead. Already Anastasia Tsichlas, a seasoned football administrator and a vice-president of the Safa has come out in the open with an offer to help.
It might sound easy for PSL to kick out Royal AM, but they will face a dilemma because of their commitment to the sponsors. They have broadcast obligations, which cannot be compromised because the Premiership has shrunk by one team.
Maybe at the heart of the problem is Mkhize's herself, which might be reflected by the title of her memoir My World, My Rules, which was published last year.
In light of her arrogance and stubbornness maybe the title should change to: My Way or the Highway.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.