Sportswire has learned that Royal AM players have not returned to training since the start of the new year, leading to the postponement of their upcoming match against Chippa United.

Chippa United released a strong-worded statement on Monday expressing their surprise and frustration over the postponed fixture this coming weekend. The club stated that they had completed all necessary logistical arrangements but were not provided with any explanation by the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Sources within the club indicate that Royal AM players remain at home despite the league resuming late last year from the short festive season.

The KwaZulu-Natal side last played on 29 December, suffering a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy at Harry Gwala Stadium. Players were subsequently given a few days off but were not given a definitive return date.

On Tuesday morning, players were informed of the postponed match but received no explanation for the decision. Furthermore, the club initially instructed players to return to training on Wednesday, only to later cancel the training session without providing any reason.

This latest incident adds another layer of drama to a tumultuous season for Royal AM. The club was previously barred from registering new players by FIFA due to their failure to pay former player Samir Nurkovic his R12 million salary (now exceeding R15 million with accumulated interest).

Sportswire has spoken to individuals close to the club, and speculation abounds regarding the reasons for the training absence. Some sources suggest that players have not been paid salaries for several months, while others claim that the club may have been subject to a SARS freeze on its assets. However, some argue that the club’s registration under a trust may have shielded its assets from such a freeze.

Another possibility is that the FIFA order has been enforced, potentially resulting in points deductions or even relegation for the club due to their non-compliance with Nurkovic’s payment.

The PSL’s silence on the matter has added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation. While the league may be seeking to protect its stakeholders, the lack of transparency has raised concerns.

Attempts to obtain a comment from Royal AM general manager Richards Makhoba were unsuccessful, with Makhoba citing illness. This evasive response is in line with Makhoba’s reputation for avoiding direct answers.

Makhoba has faced criticism for allegedly misleading club owner Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize and for failing to fulfill his duties. Concerns have also arisen regarding MaMkhize’s financial situation, with reports suggesting that her assets have been frozen due to a significant tax debt to SARS.

The future of Royal AM in the current season remains uncertain, with the club currently languishing in second-from-bottom position with eight points from 11 matches, one point above Magesi FC.

Additional information by Robin-Duke Madlala