Msunduzi Municipality Out To Secure Top-Flight Club For Harry Gwala Stadium
Msunduzi Municipality mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla has pledged to secure a top-flight football club for Harry Gwala Stadium next season, emphasizing that the venue cannot be left idle.
The municipality is seeking a Premier Soccer League (PSL) tenant after Royal AM’s PSL membership termination.
This season, Royal AM utilized the stadium under a three-year agreement initiated at the start of the previous season.
However, the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal criticized the deal, arguing that the allocated funds should have been directed towards road infrastructure and essential services in Pietermaritzburg.
The agreement with Royal AM ended abruptly when the South African Revenue Service (SARS) seized the club due to alleged tax arrears owed by its owner, Shauwn Mkhize. SARS appointed Jaco Venter as curator, effectively preventing Royal AM from playing matches until Mkhize settled her debt.
With no viable buyers emerging to allow SARS to recoup the owed funds, the PSL terminated Royal AM’s membership last week.
Consequently, the PSL will complete the current season with 15 teams. Royal AM’s last match at Harry Gwala Stadium was on 29 December, a loss to TS Galaxy.
The stadium now faces the prospect of remaining unused by a top-flight club in 2025, following Maritzburg United’s departure. However, the municipality has committed to exploring all available options to attract a new tenant.
“We will present a report to the council immediately, and the council will determine the best course of action,” Mayor Thebolla told Sportswire. “We have teams playing in the ABC Motsepe League here. It’s unfortunate that Maritzburg United left, and we will consider all possible solutions. We cannot allow this facility to become a white elephant.”
When Msunduzi Municipality partnered with Royal AM in 2023, they projected a yearly R64 million economic boost through increased tourism from the club’s home matches.
“This partnership was intended to stimulate the city’s economy,” Mayor Thebolla explained. “We maintained that it was an economic decision, not merely a political one, recognizing the significant economic impact of hosting a PSL club. We will explore all potential avenues.”
Despite this, Farouk Kadodia, chairman of Durban City (formerly Maritzburg United), has stated he will not return to Harry Gwala Stadium. Durban City, currently leading the Motsepe Foundation Championship, has a strong possibility of promotion to the PSL.
When asked about reconciling with Kadodia to facilitate the club’s return to Pietermaritzburg, Mayor Thebolla responded, “The issue was unfortunately personalized, presented as a conflict with the mayor rather than a council matter. The council will ultimately decide. If reconciliation is feasible, we will consider it.”
