REPORT! Royal AM under fire as salary list leaks reveal shocking wage disparity – ex-Orlando Pirates captain earned R121,000 while teammate paid just R2,000 - 'This is the kind of information that should be exposed'

Royal AM owner Shauwn Mkhize shocked the South African football scene by disclosing players' salaries, exposing massive wage disparities. Some players reportedly earned as little as R2,000 per month, while former Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Matlaba earned R121,000.

The Footballers Union of South Africa (FUSA), through spokesperson Taelo Motloung, condemned the move, saying it made players a laughing stock. FUSA argued that such revelations should be confidential unless a minimum wage is enforced in local football.

The disclosure sparked debate about professional standards and the vulnerability of unemployed players. Mkhize's actions were seen by some as an attempt to publicly shame players or deter other clubs from signing them.

The timing is controversial, as Thwihli Thwahla has been expelled from the PSL and removed from the Nedbank Cup. Their exit has disrupted fixtures and intensified calls for reforms in player contracts and wage transparency.

"As FUSA, we believe it is not appropriate to expose players' salaries in this manner. This is especially concerning when some of those players are unemployed and actively seeking jobs," FUSA’s Taelo Motloung told Kickoff as reported by IOL.

"As a club owner, such actions are unacceptable, unless there is a minimum wage regulation in our football. If that were the case, what she did would not be a problem. However, the manner in which she did it suggests her intent was to deter other clubs and potential suitors, or to publicly expose the players.

"While FUSA advocates for transparency and fair treatment of our members, we understand that players may feel embarrassed by this revelation, though not to the extent of seeking counseling. In overseas leagues, players' salaries are not kept secret, and since they are public figures, people should be aware of what professionalism in football entails," he adds.

"This is the kind of information that should be exposed. It would not be inappropriate to disclose players' salaries if we had a minimum wage in this country,” Motloung said.

“For instance, if the Motsepe Foundation Championship had a minimum wage of R20,000 or R30,000, and the PSL had a minimum wage of R50,000, we wouldn't criticise MaMkhize's actions.

"But because there is no minimum wage, players are made to look foolish in the eyes of jealous neighbours and relatives, who might say: 'Look, these people are bragging about their sons who only earn R5,000 a month.'"

"In this case, I believe it should be the player who reveals their salary, not the chairman. MaMkhize has made her players a laughing stock. What has she accomplished by doing this?"

Thabo Matlaba, the highest-paid Royal AM player, has now joined Golden Arrows. He is part of a group of ex-Royal AM players, including Siphesihle Msomi, Philani Sithebe, Shadrack Kobedi, Sabelo Sithole, and Ayabulela Maxwele.

Their arrival has strengthened Arrows' squad depth significantly. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi has praised their integration and discipline in training. The players are eager to put the Royal AM saga behind them and rebuild their careers in Durban.

Golden Arrows are set to face Orlando Pirates in a crucial upcoming fixture. Arrows lost to Pirates earlier in the season and will be looking to bounce back.

A positive result is vital as they aim to steer clear of the relegation playoff zone. The team hopes the arrival of experienced players will inspire a strong finish to the campaign.