Irvin Khoza, Chairman of the PSL. Picture: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix
Smiso Msomi
The PSL have announced that they will postpone the Nedbank Cup round of 16 fixture involving Royal AM on Saturday, due to ongoing financial instability at the KwaZulu-Natal club.
The delay follows a series of unfortunate events, including the postponing of the Nedbank Cup round of 32 fixture against Milford FC on January 27, that has left both the club and its players in a precarious situation, as legal and financial troubles continue to mount.
The PSL's decision means that the winner between the Royal AM versus Milford match remains undecided, while that match’s last 16 opponents, Sekhukhune United, will now have to wait as the league grapples with the complex and troubling issues surrounding Royal AM.
A statement from the PSL confirmed the postponement, citing “the latest legal developments” as the reason for their action, adding that the fixture will be rescheduled to a date yet to be determined.
“In light of the latest legal developments, the PSL have no option but to postpone Nedbank Cup fixture No 21 (Royal AM/Milford FC vs Sekhukhune United) to a date to be confirmed.”
Royal AM have been struggling under significant financial burdens, including a preservation order issued by SARS. Reports indicate that the club's owner, Shauwn Mkhize, faces an alarming tax debt of approximately R40 million.
The PSL indicated that they have yet to receive the necessary written assurances regarding Royal AM’s financial recovery, prompting the league's decision to postpone the upcoming Nedbank Cup fixture.
As the situation develops, Royal AM's future in the Betway Premiership hangs in the balance, with reports suggesting that the league's executive committee is deliberating the enforcement of rule 57.13.
If this rule is applied, it may lead to the 2024/25 season proceeding with only 15 clubs, rather than the typical 16, should Royal AM be expelled due to their financial woes.