Amidst a challenging season both on and off the field, Royal AM’s Kabelo Mahlasela and head coach Maduka have extended heartfelt Christmas wishes to the club’s loyal supporters, urging fans to remain hopeful as the year draws to a close. 

“I would like to take this opportunity and wish our fans, our supporters, a Merry Christmas,” said Mahlasela.  

“They must enjoy themselves, be happy, be safe with their families. And also, I would like to tell them that they should come and support us on the 29th of this month as we play our last match of the year at Harry Gwala Stadium.”  

The words of the experienced midfielder come at a critical juncture for the KwaZulu-Natal-based outfit. Rooted in 14^th place on the Betway Premiership table with just eight points, tied with Richards Bay, and a mere two points above bottom-placed Magesi FC, Royal AM’s struggles have been glaring. 

Coach John Maduka echoed Mahlasela’s sentiments, calling for unity and reflection during the festive period. 

“I just wanted to wish all the players of Royal AM a Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to the technical staff, management, our president – Merry Christmas to all our supporters. We love you. Take good care of yourselves, drive safe, and make sure that you come back safely. Spend more time with your families; that’s the most important thing.” 

The festive cheer, however, comes against the backdrop of a turbulent year for Royal AM. Off the field, the club’s financial troubles reached a boiling point when the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) raided the luxurious La Lucia mansion of club president Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize on 21 November. 

The raid was part of an investigation into alleged unpaid taxes amounting to R37 million and aimed at preventing the dissipation of assets that could obstruct tax recovery efforts. 

During the operation, officials confiscated over 40 firearms, ammunition, and several high-end luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Ferrari, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce Ghost. 

Compounding the club’s woes, Royal AM continues to serve a transfer ban imposed after failing to settle a R12 million payment owed to former striker Samir Nurkovic following his contract termination.   

Despite the off-field chaos, Royal AM has shown flashes of resilience on the pitch. After enduring an eight-match stretch with just one league victory, they managed to claw back a hard-fought point against Kaizer Chiefs in a match where the Soweto giants seemed poised to claim all three points before halftime.   

However, that brief respite was followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of AmaZulu FC, leaving Royal AM desperate for redemption.   

As they prepare to face TS Galaxy on Sunday, Royal AM will be determined to cap off a trying year with a victory at home. A win would not only boost morale but also set the stage for a renewed push for survival in the second half of the season. 

On 29 December at Harry Gwala Stadium, Royal AM will hope to end the year on a winning note, as the club looks to close this chapter with a much-needed triumph.