According to reports, the future of Royal AM is looking increasingly bleak following a disastrous court ruling involving SARS.
The Betway Premiership side has been engulfed in turmoil primarily due to a staggering R40 million debt owed by club owner Shawn Mkhize, leading to significant financial instability and jeopardising the club's existence.
After a brief court battle, the verdict has indicated that the club must now be sold to meet its financial obligations.
Not with Royal AM. They kicked out Maritzburg so they deserve everything that's coming for them
Sources revealed that while a small contingent of staff returned to work on Monday, having finally received their overdue wages for January, many players are hesitant to rejoin training.
With the threat of liquidation looming large, the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the club’s fate have led to a cloud of desperation hanging over its players and staff. PSL took the unprecedented step of suspending all fixtures involving Royal AM earlier this month as the situation escalated.
This decision left the football community collectively searching for clarity amid the chaos, creating further frustration among supporters eager to see their teams compete against Thwihli Thwahla.
The curator assigned to manage Royal AM's affairs was set to present a pivotal report to the court on Monday, which would outline options for either liquidation or sale.
The curator's recommendation appears to have struck a chord, paving the way for the Pietermaritzburg-based club to be placed on the market. Meanwhile, local publication Ilanga reported that there is an earnest hope that the PSL will allow time for a sale before making any decision regarding expulsion.
So whoever buys ROYAL AM will continue where it is left of in terms of the remaining games of the season? How I wish Bloemfontein Celtics could be the one's who comes back z so that it continues with being a hoodoo team to Sundowns.
— Nathi 🇿🇦🇷🇺🇵🇸🇨🇺 (@Nkosinathi_99) February 17, 2025
A source privy to the situation divulged that Mkhize has been fervently trying to avert both liquidation and the sale of the club, yet the judicial decision seems irrevocable, given the curator's findings.
Following the asset seizure by SARS due to alleged tax irregularities, Royal AM has found itself in dire straits. The financial fallout has frozen indispensable accounts, sharply disrupting critical salary payments, and players have only recently seen a portion of their December wages trickle in.
Amid ongoing dissatisfaction regarding the club’s off-field conduct, particularly from headline sponsor Betway, the PSL is scheduled to convene an urgent Board of Governors meeting to discuss Royal AM's status.
Several clubs within the league are reportedly advocating for the immediate expulsion of Royal AM, claiming the club has caused significant reputational harm to the PSL and its partners.
Making matters worse, Royal AM's performance on the pitch has mirrored their off-field troubles, with the club languishing at the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings. Their last match resulted in a disheartening 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy on 29 December, leaving the team with only eight points from 11 matches.
None of the club’s management or media personnel could be reached for comment.