Royal AM defender Thabo Matlaba and his other teammate have been spotted training with Lamontville Golden Arrows in Durban.
The two players left Thwihli Thwahla after the PSL Board of Governors voted to terminate Royal AM’s membership on Thursday, due to the club’s inability to fulfill league duties.
Plagued by financial difficulties and other internal issues, Royal AM halted their PSL campaign in December 2024, prompting the league’s governing body to suspend their scheduled games.
The club’s seizure by SARS, among other issues, prompted the PSL EXCO to recommend Royal AM’s membership cancellation. A handful of the latter’s players have been snatched by clubs in the league.
THABO MATLABA AND PHILANI SITHEBE TRAINING WITH GOLDEN ARROWS
Matlaba and his former Royal AM teammate Philani Sithebe were spotted by FARPost training with Arrows this week, with the Durban-based outfit gearing up for the return of Betway Premiership action.
Matlaba, a former Orlando Pirates defender, was one of the senior and key players for the previously Shauwn Mkhize-owned club and remained loyal until the end.
The 37-year-old joined Royal AM in the middle of the 2021/22 season from the now-defunct Moroka Swallows. He made 86 appearances, scoring 14 goals and registering 18 assists across all competitions for the expelled side.
On the other hand, Sithebe is one of the promising young players who rose through Royal AM’s youth ranks. This season, he featured in seven matches in the league and one in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Arrows have already signed three players from Royal AM, namely Ayabulela Maxwele, Shadrack Kobedi, and Sabelo Sithole, who joined the club last month.
Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Mfundo Thikazi and defender Sbangani Zulu left Royal AM a few weeks ago to join Richards Bay FC, while Sekhukhune United acquired the services of the defender Khulekani Shezi.
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