Arrows Continue Royal AM Player Acquisition Spree

Golden Arrows have continued their recruitment of free players from the now-defunct Royal AM, securing the signature of Ayanda Jiyane.

He becomes the seventh player to join Arrows from the club previously owned by Shauwn Mkhize.

This website previously reported Arrows’ interest in Jiyane when they signed Thabo Matlaba and Sabelo Sithole in recent days.

All three players were eligible to sign with clubs of their choosing due to not having played a single match for Royal AM in the second half of the season and allegedly going unpaid for three months.

According to FIFA regulations, when players are not paid their salaries, they become legally free agents and can join any club of their choice. Jiyane has exercised this right.

Jiyane joins a growing list of players who have moved from Royal AM to Arrows in the past few weeks, including Siphesihle Msomi, Shadrack Kobedi, Philani Sithebe, and Ayabulela Maxwele.

Other former Royal AM players have also found new teams: Khulekani Shezi joined Sekhukhune United, while Sbangani Zulu and attacking midfielder Mfundo Thikazi signed with Richards Bay.

These players were compelled to seek new clubs after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) terminated Royal AM’s membership due to the club’s failure to fulfill its obligation to play matches in the second half of the season.

Royal AM’s troubles stemmed from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) reportedly pursuing the club for alleged outstanding taxes of R40 million owed by Royal AM owner Shauwn Mkhize.

As a result of Ms. Mkhize’s assets and accounts being frozen, the club’s last match was a 3-1 loss to TS Galaxy on 29 December.

Consequently, players were forced to prioritize their own welfare as SARS took control of the club. In an attempt to recover the owed funds, SARS put the club up for sale but was unable to find a buyer, ultimately leading to the termination of Royal AM’s PSL membership.