Royal AM’s meteoric rise and dramatic fall within the South African football landscape has captivated fans and analysts alike.
What began as a fairytale acquisition of Bloemfontein Celtic’s top-flight status in August 2021, quickly transformed into a saga of financial mismanagement, culminating in the club's suspension from all Premier Soccer League (PSL) activities.
The club's owner, Shauwn Mkhize, made a splash upon their arrival in the Premiership. Her lavish displays, such as handing out wads of R200 notes to players on the field after a derby win in October 2021, became synonymous with the team's early success.
Mkhize defended her actions, stating, “Royal AM always had problems and its problems will always be like this. I can never change what people think, but I can always do what I feel good and what I feel is right at the time.” This initial exuberance, however, masked underlying financial instability that would soon unravel.
Below is a timeline of the rise and the dramatic fall of Shauwn Mkhize's Royal AM FC within 4 years.
August 21, 2021: A New Dawn in KwaZulu-Natal
Shauwn Mkhize's acquisition of Bloemfontein Celtic's top-flight status marked a significant moment in South African football. The move of the team to KwaZulu-Natal and the renaming to Royal AM promised a new era for the club and the province. This acquisition, however, would ultimately set the stage for a dramatic series of events.
October 2, 2021: Lavish Celebrations and Early Success
Royal AM's early success was celebrated with characteristic flair. Following a KwaZulu-Natal derby victory over Maritzburg United, Mkhize's on-field distribution of cash bonuses to players generated both excitement and controversy. This event foreshadowed the financial challenges that lay ahead.
November 26, 2021: A Change of Allegiances
Well-known Orlando Pirates superfan, Mama Joy Chauke, surprisingly switched her allegiance to Royal AM, highlighting the club's growing profile and Mkhize's influence. This move, while generating publicity, did little to address the simmering financial concerns.
May 23, 2022: A Successful Debut Season
Despite a final-day defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, Royal AM concluded their inaugural PSL season in a commendable third-place position, securing qualification for the CAF Confederations Cup. This achievement, however, masked the growing financial instability within the club.
October 2022: The Nurkovic Saga Begins
The termination of Samir Nurkovic's contract after only two months due to an extended period of sick leave initiated a protracted legal battle. This dispute, involving significant salary payments, would have far-reaching consequences for the club's financial stability.
May 20, 2023: A Narrow Escape from Relegation
Royal AM narrowly avoided relegation in their second season, finishing 11th, a significant drop from their previous year's performance. The close call served as a stark warning of the club's deteriorating financial situation.
December 29, 2023: On-Field Controversies
Andile Mpisane's appearances for Royal AM, despite criticism of his playing ability, added another layer of complexity to the club's narrative. The son of the club owner, Mpisane's presence on the pitch raised questions about the club's priorities and management.
January 15, 2024 & January 24, 2024: FIFA Transfer Bans
Two separate FIFA transfer bans, resulting from unpaid salaries to Nurkovic and Ricardo Nascimento, severely hampered Royal AM's ability to strengthen their squad. These bans would significantly impact the club's competitiveness and overall performance.
October 11, 2024: Exclusion from DStv Diski Challenge
The club's inability to field a team in the DStv Diski Challenge due to the FIFA transfer ban further exposed their precarious financial state and lack of resources.
October 14, 2024: CAS Appeal Fails
Royal AM's appeal to overturn the FIFA transfer ban was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), leaving the club facing mounting financial and sporting challenges.
November 2024: SARS Takes Control
January 7, 2025: Player Strike and Postponed Match
Royal AM players went on strike due to unpaid December salaries, leading to the postponement of their match against Chippa United. This action brought the club's financial crisis to the forefront.
January 8, 2025: Public Apology and Curatorship
Royal AM issued a public apology for the unpaid salaries, acknowledging the hardship caused to players and staff. The club confirmed its curatorship under SARS and the appointment of a curator, Mr Jaco Venter.
January 22, 2025: PSL Suspension
The PSL suspended all Royal AM fixtures indefinitely due to the club's ongoing financial struggles and failure to provide assurances regarding their financial stability. This suspension effectively marked the end of Royal AM's participation in the PSL, at least for the foreseeable future.
