Royal AM F.C.
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| Full name | Royal AM Football Club | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Thwihli Thwahla" | |||
| Ground | Harry Gwala Stadium | |||
| Capacity | 12 000 | |||
| Owner | Shauwn Mkhize | |||
| Chairman | Andile Mpisane[1] | |||
| Manager | John Maduka | |||
| League | Premiership | |||
| 2023–24 | 13th | |||
| Website | www | |||
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Royal AM (also known as "Thwihli Thwahla") is a South African football club based in Pietermaritzburg that plays in the Premiership.
History
Originally, the club was called Kings United, before changing its name to Real Kings.[2]
In 2019, Shauwn Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane purchased Real Kings, renaming it Royal AM.[3]
They bought their right to play in the top tier after purchasing the Premiership license from Bloemfontein Celtic in August 2021.[4][5]
The club received a transfer ban from FIFA effective 3 July 2023 after unlawfully terminating the contract of Samir Nurkovic and failing to pay the outstanding amount of R12 million.[6]
Sponsorship controversy
In August 2023, the heavily-indebted Msunduzi Local Municipality stated that it was going ahead with a R27 million sponsorship three-year sponsorship of Royal AM.[7][8]
Financial problems
In January 2025, the South African Revenue Service issued a preservation order against the club over unpaid tax debts by owner Shauwn Mkhize. In addition, players did not receive their December 2024 salaries, and the club's fixture was postponed by the league's governing body, the PSL.[9]
Current squad
- As of 16 August 2024
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Honours
- SAFA Second Division Kwazulu Natal Stream: 2015–16[nb 1]
- Macufe Cup
- Winners: 2022
- Notes
- ^ The league was known as the ABC Motsepe League at the time due to sponsorship reasons.
League record
SAFA Second Division (KwaZulu-Natal Stream)
- 2015–16 – 1st
References
- ^ Vedan, Eshlin. "Royal AM chairman Andile Mpisane must stick to Gucci and leave the football to the pros". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
- ^ "Real Kings FC: proudly representing KZN". psl.co.za. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ "Royal AM FC". www.royalam.co.za. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ Sibembe, Yanga (17 August 2021). "SOCCER: Royal AM finally make it into the Premiership after PSL confirms Bloem Celtic purchase". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
- ^ "OFFICIAL | PSL confirm Bloemfontein Celtic sale, club to be renamed Royal AM". Kick Off. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Royal AM face FIFA ban following Samir Nurkovic request | soccer". www.sabcsport.com. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ Maliti, Soyiso. "Msunduzi has 27 days' cash, owes Eskom and Umgeni Water - but insists on R27m Royal AM sponsorship deal". News24. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ Ngcobo, Nokuthula (27 February 2024). "R27m deal between Royal AM and Msunduzi still raising questions". The South African. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
- ^ Mokhesi, Tokelo (8 January 2025). "Royal AM confirms unpaid salaries, SARS takeover". FARPost. Retrieved 8 January 2025.