The South African Football Players Union [SAFPU] have revealed the engagements they have held with both Royal AM and the players over unpaid salaries. Thwihli Thwahla players have not been paid their December salaries.
These troubles come as club owner Shauwn ‘MamMkhize’ Mkhize is embroiled in a tax scandal. Authorities have attached her properties, including those associated with the club. Mkhize is alleged to owe SARS R40 million in unpaid taxes. In November 2024, police and SARS officials raided several of her properties.
Furthermore, Royal AM has faced significant negative publicity in recent months. This includes a FIFA-imposed transfer ban due to an outstanding R15 million owed to former striker Samir Nurkovic.
Royal AM were scheduled to return to training on Saturday, 4 January, to prepare for their Betway Premiership match against Chippa United. But that match has been postponed by the PSL due to the challenges faced by the KZN club.
SAFPU CONFIDENT THE ISSUE OF UNPAID SALARIES AT THE KZN CLUB WILL BE SORTED OUT SOON
SAFPU deputy president Tebogo Monyai says the union and the club have been working around the clock to see that players are paid what they are owed.
“We spoke to our players who are members and they did indicate that it’s true that they were not paid in December. But they were not on strike,” Monyai told FARPost.
“That’s one thing that is clear: players were not on strike at Royal AM for unpaid salaries. The club engaged with the players throughout the process, and they had an internal problem within the club with regard to finances,” he clarified.
“The club indicated that they are working around the clock to try and rectify that position and find a solution. They spoke to the players before they went for the festive break in December, informing them that they might not be able to pay their December salaries.
“They were asked to leave for the holidays and returned on 4 January. So before 4 January, the club realised that the problem was not yet resolved and contacted the players again to alert them to postpone the return date to a further date,” added Monyai.
ROYAL AM COMMENDED FOR FACING THEIR FINANCIAL STRUGGLES HEAD-ON
The SAFPU deputy president Monyai also commended Royal AM for their transparency in addressing their current financial challenges.
“That, for us as a union, shows that the club is responsible, showing respect to the players and continuously engaging with the players. So we are now involved in communicating with the players and the club trying to find a solution going forward. We are happy that the club is positive and willing to solve the problem.”
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