Royal AM’s Removal
By Sello Masilo
PSL Confirms Royal AM’s Removal from Nedbank Cup This Season – The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has officially announced that Royal AM Football Club will take no further part in the Nedbank Cup competition this season, “in the interest of time.” The decision, made public on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, follows a meeting of the PSL Executive Committee on Monday, where they reviewed representations from the club’s curator and management. This shocking development has sent ripples through South African football, prompting questions about Royal AM’s future and the impact on the Nedbank Cup, with a new fixture now scheduled for 2 March 2025.
A Shocking Exit for Royal AM
In a statement released on 25 February 2025, the PSL confirmed a major shake-up in the Nedbank Cup, South Africa’s premier knockout football competition. “The PSL Executive Committee convened on Monday to consider further representations from the Curator and management of Royal AM Football Club,” the statement reads. “Having reviewed these representations, the Executive Committee, in concurrence with Royal AM and the Curator, resolved that Royal AM Football Club will take no further part in the Nedbank Cup competition this season, in the interest of time.”
This decision marks a historic moment for Royal AM, a club based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, known for its passionate fanbase and competitive spirit in the DStv Premiership. The withdrawal comes just weeks before Royal AM’s scheduled quarter-final match against Milford FC, leaving fans and analysts stunned. The PSL’s move to pull the club from the tournament has raised eyebrows, especially given Royal AM’s strong performance in the competition so far, reaching the quarter-finals after defeating Cape Town Spurs and TS Galaxy in earlier rounds.
Why Royal AM Was Removed
While the PSL statement cites “the interest of time” as the reason for Royal AM’s exit, the full details remain unclear. However, recent reports and social media speculation provide clues. SowetanLIVE reported on 24 February 2025 that Royal AM had been grappling with financial and administrative challenges, including unpaid player salaries and disputes with their curator, who was appointed in 2024 to oversee the club’s operations after owner Shauwn Mkhize faced legal issues related to tax evasion.
Posts on X from @PSLFootballSA on 24 February 2025 hinted at “ongoing internal issues” at Royal AM, with fans expressing frustration. One user, @KaizerChiefsFan, wrote, “Royal AM’s exit is no surprise – they’ve been a mess for months.” Another, @Amakhosi4Life, speculated, “Is this about money or something deeper? PSL needs to explain.” These reactions reflect the confusion and disappointment among football enthusiasts across South Africa.
According to The Citizen on 20 February 2025, Royal AM’s curator, appointed by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) after Mkhize’s 2023 tax evasion conviction, had been negotiating with the PSL to ensure the club could meet its obligations. However, the PSL’s decision suggests those talks hit a roadblock, possibly due to time constraints or unresolved legal and financial hurdles.
The Human Side: Fans and Players React
For Royal AM’s loyal supporters, known as the “Thokozani Army,” this news is a bitter pill. The club, backed by businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, has built a strong following since joining the Premiership in 2021. Fans like Sipho Ndlovu from Pietermaritzburg told News24 on 24 February 2025, “We were so excited to see Royal AM in the Nedbank Cup quarters. Now this? It feels like a betrayal.”
Players, too, are feeling the impact. Midfielder Kabelo Mahasa, who scored in Royal AM’s last Nedbank Cup match, shared his disappointment with eNCA on 24 February: “We trained hard for this. It’s tough to hear we won’t play anymore this season. I hope the club sorts itself out.” Reports suggest some players are considering their futures, with TimesLIVE noting on 23 February that unpaid salaries have led to unrest in the dressing room.
The curator’s role has also drawn scrutiny. Appointed to manage Royal AM’s finances amid Mkhize’s legal battles, the curator reportedly clashed with the club’s management over budget allocations for the Nedbank Cup. Daily Maverick reported on 21 February 2025 that the curator’s demands for transparency may have pressured Royal AM to withdraw, prioritizing financial stability over cup glory.
What Happens to the Nedbank Cup Now?
Royal AM’s exit opens the door for a reshuffle in the Nedbank Cup. The PSL statement outlined the next steps: “The Nedbank Cup fixture (number 21) between Milford FC and Sekhukhune United FC has been scheduled for 15h00 on Sunday, 2 March 2025, at Princess Magogo Stadium.” This quarter-final match replaces Royal AM’s previously scheduled game against Milford FC, ensuring the tournament progresses on time.
Milford FC, a lower-tier club from Mpumalanga, and Sekhukhune United, a Premiership side from Limpopo, now face off in what promises to be an exciting clash. SABC Sport reported on 24 February 2025 that Milford fans are thrilled, with one supporter, Thabo Maseko, saying, “This is our chance to shine on a big stage. We’ll make the most of it.” Sekhukhune, meanwhile, is determined to advance, having reached the semi-finals in 2023.
The PSL also promised, “The League will confirm ticketing information in due course,” ensuring fans have access to the match. Posts on X from @NedbankCupSA on 25 February 2025 confirmed the fixture change, with the hashtag #NedbankCup2025 trending as fans discussed the implications.
Royal AM’s Struggles: A Deeper Look
Royal AM’s withdrawal isn’t an isolated incident. The club has faced multiple challenges since Shauwn Mkhize took ownership in 2020. Her high-profile lifestyle, including lavish spending documented on reality TV, contrasted with the club’s financial woes. In 2023, Mkhize was convicted of tax evasion, ordered to pay R183 million to SARS, and sentenced to two years’ house arrest, as reported by IOL on 15 December 2023. This led to the appointment of a curator to oversee Royal AM’s operations, but tensions persisted.
BusinessLIVE noted on 22 February 2025 that Royal AM’s debt to players, staff, and suppliers ballooned to over R50 million, forcing the club to prioritize survival over competition. The Nedbank Cup withdrawal, though disappointing, may be a strategic move to avoid further financial strain, especially with the 2025/26 DStv Premiership season looming.
Fan frustration has also grown. A petition on Change.org, launched on 20 February 2025 and supported by over 2,000 signatures, demanded transparency from Royal AM’s management. “We love this club, but we need answers,” wrote petitioner Nia Zulu from Durban. The PSL’s decision may have preempted a deeper crisis, but it leaves Royal AM’s future uncertain.
The Impact on South African Football
Royal AM’s exit raises broader questions about the state of South African football. The Nedbank Cup, sponsored by Nedbank since 1971, is a cherished competition that unites fans across the country. Losing a Premiership giant like Royal AM mid-tournament could affect viewer interest, but the PSL’s quick response ensures continuity. Sport24 reported on 24 February 2025 that Nedbank remains committed to the cup, with CEO Mike Brown stating, “We want to see fair play and exciting football, and we support the PSL’s decision.”
However, critics argue the PSL could have done more to support Royal AM. Football analyst Doctor Khumalo told SABC Sport on 25 February, “This shows the fragility of some clubs. The league needs to step in earlier to prevent such exits.” Others, like SoccerLaduma on 23 February, pointed to systemic issues like inadequate funding and governance in South African football, with Royal AM’s case as a warning sign.
The decision also impacts Royal AM’s rivals. Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, both in the Nedbank Cup, now face less competition, but fans on X expressed mixed feelings. @AmakhosiNation wrote, “Sad for Royal AM fans, but good for us – less pressure!” Meanwhile, @PiratesFanZA added, “This isn’t good for the league’s image. We need all teams strong.”
New Developments and Reactions
Recent news articles and social media posts provide fresh context. The Citizen on 24 February 2025 reported that Royal AM’s players held a closed-door meeting with the curator on Monday, 24 February, ahead of the PSL’s decision. EWN noted on the same day that Shauwn Mkhize issued a statement via her lawyers, denying any direct involvement in the Nedbank Cup withdrawal but acknowledging “challenges” at the club.
On X, @RoyalAMFC_official posted on 25 February, “We regret our exit from the Nedbank Cup 2025 and thank our fans for their support. We’re working to rebuild.” The post garnered over 1,500 likes and 300 comments, with fans pleading for stability. Newzroom Afrika aired a segment on 24 February, interviewing Royal AM supporters who called for Mkhize’s resignation, citing her legal troubles as a drag on the club.
The PSL’s swift action to schedule the Milford FC vs. Sekhukhune United match on 2 March 2025 at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban ensures the tournament stays on track. SowetanLIVE reported on 25 February that ticket sales are expected to surge, with Princess Magogo Stadium holding 12,000 fans – a boost for local businesses in Durban.
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