SAFPU drops bombshell on Royal AM's financial woes: Reveals shocking truth behind the postponement of Chippa United clash – 'It was an internal issue with finances'

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) has disclosed that it is working with Royal AM and the club's players to resolve unpaid salary issues, with players yet to receive their December wages.

These financial troubles coincide with club owner Shauwn ‘Mam Mkhize’ Mkhize’s ongoing legal battle over a R40 million tax debt, which has led to her properties being seized. Royal AM has also been hit with a FIFA transfer ban due to a R15 million dispute with former player Samir Nurkovic.

Amid these controversies and rumours of the club's players going on strike, the PSL postponed their scheduled January 4th match against Chippa United.

However, SAFPU deputy president Tebogo Monyai remains optimistic over player payments from the club.

“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 said as reported by 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.

“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.”

While Royal AM's transparency about their financial troubles is commendable, the unresolved salary issues remain a major concern. The players' absence from the field disrupts their momentum and compromises the competitive integrity of the league.

The ongoing controversies damage the club's reputation and casts a shadow over the PSL's professionalism, so resolving these challenges promptly is crucial to ensuring the team can focus on football.

The players, who are at the heart of the sport, deserve stability and respect to perform at their best.

Royal AM’s postponed match against Chippa United highlights the gravity of their internal challenges. The Durban-based team is due to face Orlando Pirates on January 22 at home, so the hope will be the payment issue is resolved before then and Thwihli Thwahla can honour the fixture.

Failure to address the payment issues will lead to further disruptions and intensify scrutiny from fans and media alike and Royal AM and its owners must prioritize finding a swift and lasting solution to restore stability and regain focus on their on-field ambitions.