Durban – Shauwn "MaMkhize" Mkhize, the flamboyant businesswoman and reality TV star, is seemingly setting her sights beyond South African borders after losing her beloved football club, Royal AM FC, to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). MaMkhize has now expressed interest in acquiring Moneni Pirates FC, an Eswatini-based football team, sparking a flurry of speculation and excitement amongst fans.
MaMkhize was spotted in Eswatini at the Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday, 6 April, proudly donning Moneni Pirates colours and passionately supporting the team during their Ingwenyama Cup match.
The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting "MaMkhize!" as she danced and celebrated with the Moneni Pirates supporters, fuelling rumours that she was poised to take over the club. This public display of affection for the Eswatini team has led many to believe that MaMkhize is ready to invest in a new football venture.
When questioned about whether she would still attempt to salvage Royal AM, which is currently being sold by SARS, MaMkhize remained coy, stating that she was solely focused on Moneni Pirates and didn't want to "mix things." She did, however, confirm her interest in purchasing the Eswatini-based club. "I wouldn't have come here if I wasn't looking for something, but if there's anything, you'll be the first to know," she teased.
However, while MaMkhize's presence and expressed interest ignited excitement among Moneni Pirates fans, the club's chairman, Thulani Xaba, has firmly dismissed any possibility of a sale or partnership. Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma, Xaba clarified the club's stance, emphasizing that Moneni Pirates is a community-owned team and not for sale.
"Firstly, let me clarify that MaMkhize was not in Eswatini because of Moneni Pirates. I would like to believe that she came here on her own accord and happened to have bought Pirates' regalia, but it had nothing to do with the team," Xaba told the Siya crew.
Xaba reiterated the deep roots of Moneni Pirates within the Moneni community, highlighting the significance of its origins and the impact any financial interest would have. "Secondly, Pirates is not for sale. It's a community team that was started by Mr Mathenjwa, and it belongs to the community of Moneni. Even when I became the chairman, I had to go and talk to them that now I am taking over the running of the team on behalf of the Moneni community. So, you see, we cannot sell such a team or give shares to anyone."
The chairman also pointed out that MaMkhize was not the only prominent South African football figure in attendance at the Ingwenyama Cup final, with Jomo Sono and Floyd Mbele also present. "And mind you, she was not the only football person who was here. Jomo Sono was here. Floyd Mbele was here. But in this case, Pirates is not for sale," Xaba confirmed.
Furthermore, Xaba made it clear that even if the club were hypothetically for sale, partnering with MaMkhize at this time would not be a viable option, given her current financial situation and the troubles surrounding Royal AM. "You are there in South Africa. You know her story and her team Royal AM and SARS. Even if we would say hypothetically the team is for sale or we want to work with someone, it would not be her. Above all that, Moneni Pirates is not for sale," Xaba concluded emphatically.
MaMkhize's interest in Moneni Pirates comes at a turbulent time in her football career. Royal AM, her former club, has been grappling with severe financial difficulties due to unpaid taxes owed to SARS, amounting to a staggering R40 million. The KZN Local Division of the High Court granted a preservation order and a search seizure warrant in 2024 in the case involving SARS versus MaMkhize and others, marking the beginning of her financial woes.
As a result, Royal AM has been placed under curatorship, and the PSL Executive Committee has resolved to recommend the cancellation of the club's membership. The PSL recently cancelled all their games until further notice, and now the PSL has had enough and recommended the cancellation of the club. This decision follows the failure of the SARS curator to find a suitable buyer for the club who could fulfil its financial obligations to the PSL.
The failed sale attempts have further dashed hopes of Royal AM's revival. The club was placed on auction by SARS' curator Jaco Venter, and Global Investment 0107 (Pty) LTD, operated by former president Jacob Zuma's friend Roy Moodley, was announced as the successful bidder. However, the deal collapsed when Global Investment failed to meet the payment deadline on Thursday, 27 March, at 10 am.
With Royal AM teetering on the brink of collapse and facing expulsion from the PSL, MaMkhize's attention appears to have shifted towards Moneni Pirates. However, the firm stance of the club's chairman suggests that her ambitions to own another football club may face significant obstacles.
