Richards Bay Finally Secures Thikazi From Royal AM

Sportswire has learned that Richards Bay FC has finalized the signing of Mfundo Thikazi from Royal AM, a club facing imminent dissolution.

This publication reported last month that Richards Bay was pursuing winger Thikazi, who had previously been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs.

While the club was previously finalizing terms with the player, Thikazi has now officially signed. However, he will not be eligible to play for Richards Bay FC this season, as he was signed outside the transfer window. He will join the team for the next season.

However, a significant obstacle exists before Thikazi can play for Richards Bay next season. On Wednesday, the club was banned from signing new players, both locally and internationally. This ban was instituted by FIFA after they found them guilty of having failed to comply with financial obligations towards Abdi Hassan Banda, who was released at the end of last season. A formal letter was issued to the South African Football Association (SAFA) to ensure the ban is enforced. Bay has to pay before the ban is lifted.

Thikazi is among several Royal AM players facing an uncertain future as the club’s existence is under judicial review. The club’s fate hangs in the balance, with a court-appointed curator having submitted a report recommending either a sale or liquidation. A judgment for the sale of Royal AM was passed, and the sale is set to proceed on Friday.

This situation stems from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) seizing assets belonging to club president Shauwn Mkhize due to alleged unpaid taxes amounting to R40 million. With Mkhize’s assets frozen, Royal AM players received their December salaries late, and January salaries were paid by the curator, as Mkhize is unable to access her accounts.

Consequently, Thikazi is one of the players affected by these financial difficulties, making a move away from Royal AM in his best interests.

Royal AM, currently at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table, last played on December 29th, losing at home to TS Galaxy. All their scheduled matches this year, including their Nedbank Cup round of 32 tie against Milford FC, which was cancelled, have been postponed by the PSL. 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. He is the second player from Royal AM to join Richards Bay FC in the space of two months, following Mxolisi Macuphu’s arrival in January.