Royal AM’s players have refused to train on Monday in protest regarding unpaid wages at the club. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Betway Premiership club Royal AM finds themselves in deeper turmoil as players initiated a second strike over unpaid salaries, marking a continued struggle that threatens the club's very existence.
Following a series of postponed matches, players were handed a brief respite over the weekend, but their return to training on Monday was met with defiance. Sources close to the team revealed that players have made it clear they will not step onto the training pitch until they receive their overdue January salaries.
I'm giving away R1000 to 10 lucky followers. To win you must be following me, Like, Repost and comment Royal Am.
— Dr Shawn Mkhize (@DrShawnMkhize) February 3, 2025
It's 2025, we are giving back. pic.twitter.com/MhqkyOiFDQ
This refusal comes after the club attributed the delay in payments to a "technical issue," hoping to coax the squad back to the Royal Ranch for training. However, the players' resolve remains firm, indicating that they will not return until their financial concerns are addressed.
Royal AM has not participated in a league match since a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy on December 29, and all upcoming fixtures — including crucial games against Chippa United, Orlando Pirates, and a Nedbank Cup tie with Milford FC — have been suspended indefinitely by the PSL.
The challenges faced by Thwihli Thwahla extend well beyond the pitch. The club is currently under curatorship and embroiled in sequestration processes, with mounting financial issues hindering their ability to pay staff salaries.
The club is under scrutiny from FIFA for breaching contracts with former players, and it risks being declared insolvent, a dire predicament exacerbated by a R15-million debt owed to striker Samir Nurkovic, leading to a Fifa transfer ban.
Supersport United striker Samir Nurkovic says he's not allowing his case with Royal AM to affect his performance at Matsatsantsa pic.twitter.com/skZ07YJVU0
— Kamogelo KamG Mogale (@KamzaDeSport) February 4, 2025
The financial woes of the club have been underscored by the involvement of SARS, which has already taken drastic measures, including the raiding of properties owned by club president Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize in an attempt to recover a staggering R40-million tax debt.
Royal AM's inability to pay November and December salaries also forced them to forfeit a scheduled match against Chippa United two weeks ago.
Recent developments have also put the future of the club’s sponsorship agreement with the Msunduzi Municipality in jeopardy.
A motion has been proposed by the DA to terminate the partnership, citing the club's curatorship and cancelled matches, which have negated potential tourism benefits for the city.
They argue that sustaining the sponsorship is hindering the city's image, linking it to ongoing negative scrutiny surrounding Royal AM.
As the financial crisis deepens and player morale continues to plummet, the fate of Royal AM hangs in the balance. With sanctions looming from both Fifa and SARS, the football community watches closely, uncertain of whether the club will survive the storm.
The Pietermaritzburg based outfit already have quite a number of games to make up if they eventually do return to action and could potentially add Stellenbosch and Golden Arrows to that list whom they were due to face this week.
Club M Richards Makhoba could not be reached for comment on Monday.
𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬❗️
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19H30 | Chiefs vs AmaZulu
19h30 | Magesi FC vs Chippa
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*Royal AM vs Stellenbosch postponed.#BetwayPrem#UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/AaBcSydAmp