Richards Bay Closing In On Thikazi

Richards Bay is pursuing Royal AM winger Mfundo Thikazi, who was previously linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs.

Sportswire has learned that the club is close to finalizing terms with the player.

Thikazi is among several Royal AM players facing an uncertain future, as the club’s existence is in jeopardy. This week, the curator overseeing the club’s affairs will submit a report to the court recommending either a sale or liquidation.

This situation arises from club president Shauwn Mkhize’s assets being seized by the South African Reserve Service (SARS) due to alleged unpaid taxes of R40 million. As Mkhize’s assets are frozen, Royal AM players received their December salaries late, and January salaries were paid by the curator, as Mkhize cannot access her accounts.

Consequently, Thikazi is one of the players affected by these financial difficulties, and a move away from the club would likely be in his best interests.

Royal AM, currently at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table, last played on 29 December, losing at home to TS Galaxy. All their scheduled matches this year, including their Nedbank Cup round of 32 tie against Milford FC, have been postponed by the PSL. The Milford FC game was originally scheduled for this past weekend but was again postponed.  

As a result, the club remains at the bottom of the league standings with eight points from 11 matches.  

The 25-year-old Thikazi, who joined Royal AM in 2020, has made 83 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists.