Mkhize Regrets Turbulent Royal AM Journey, Reflects on PSL Expulsion
Former Royal AM president Shauwn Mkhize has expressed regret over her decision to enter the Premier Soccer League (PSL), citing the tumultuous journey and eventual expulsion of her team from the league.
In a candid interview with SNAWA with Andile Ncube, Mkhize reflected on the challenges she faced during her time in the PSL, saying,
“Yes, it’s no more. I think a lot has happened, and people usually say, ‘what goes around comes around’. I think the way I entered into the league, I didn’t enter in the front door; I was not supposed to enter.”
Mkhize purchased Real Kings in the Motsepe Foundation Championship in 2019 and renamed it Royal AM.
She later bought the Premiership license from Bloemfontein Celtic in August 2021, allowing Thwihli Thwahla to compete in the top tier.
However, her journey was marred by controversy and financial struggles. In January 2025, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued a preservation order against the club over unpaid tax debts.
The situation worsened when players did not receive their December 2024 salaries, and the club’s upcoming fixtures were postponed by the PSL.
SARS subsequently put the club up for auction in March 2025. The final blow came in April when the PSL’s Board of Governors voted to expel Royal AM from the league.
Mkhize expressed pain over the expulsion, saying she wished it had been done differently.
“To be honest, this was painful,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of appointing knowledgeable individuals to oversee assets, particularly in the soccer industry.
“When you’re not allowing a football team to play, then it has as good as nothing, and that’s why I wish they could have brought someone who understands football.”
Regarding the SARS investigation, Mkhize clarified that Royal AM was unfairly included in the probe, despite not owing the revenue service anything.
“The sad part is that Royal AM didn’t owe SARS anything and was not involved in all that. It’s so unfortunate that Royal AM was included, but there’s still an investigation between us and SARS.”
Mkhize has since accepted a new challenge, acquiring Mbabane Highlanders in Eswatini’s top-tier league and renaming it Mbabane Highlanders AM.
Despite the challenges she faced, Mkhize remains resolute, saying, “To an end, I’ve learned to accept that this is the life I will live with them.”
