In a heartfelt and emotional interview, South African football club owner Mamkhize broke down as she spoke candidly about the ongoing investigation into Royal AM’s assets and the profound personal and professional challenges she faces.

The preservation order on the club’s assets, the complexities surrounding a trust that owns significant holdings, and the administrative hurdles have created a storm that Mamkhize is learning to live with—though not without pain.

Mamkhize began by explaining the preservation order that has been placed on Royal AM’s assets.

She revealed that all assets linked to her and those close to her were supposed to be preserved during the investigation, making it unfortunate that Royal AM became entangled in this process.

 

The preservation order stems from an investigation conducted under the Tax Administration Act, not by football authorities.

This order prevents any sale or transfer of assets while the authorities determine the financial standing of the trust that owns Royal AM.

Mamkhize expressed frustration over the ongoing nature of the investigation, acknowledging that it has become a permanent part of her life.

 

“I’ve learned to accept that this is the life that I’ll live with,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll of uncertainty and prolonged legal processes.

 

Central to the investigation is a trust believed to own a substantial amount of assets, including Royal AM.

Authorities suspect that this trust owes a significant amount of money, which has prompted a thorough investigation to uncover the true financial situation.

 

Mamkhize explained that because the trust owns Royal AM and other assets, the investigation aims to establish how much the trust owes.

Until this is resolved, the preservation order ensures that no assets can be sold or moved.

 

This freeze has created operational difficulties for Royal AM, affecting its ability to function normally.

Mamkhize’s remarks reveal the complexity of disentangling financial issues tied to trusts and the impact it has on football clubs operating under such structures.

 

Despite the difficulties, Mamkhize reflected on her journey as a football club owner with openness and resilience.

She described her experience as a “roller coaster” filled with ups and downs but expressed determination to remain focused and undeterred by external noise.

 

She candidly admitted that her entry into the football league was unconventional.

“I didn’t enter through the front door; I broke the wall instead,” she said.

While she recognizes herself as a trendsetter, Mamkhize lamented that she never wanted to be known as the first club owner to be expelled or face such public controversy.

 

This admission reveals the emotional burden she carries, wishing the situation had unfolded differently and without the negative attention that has overshadowed her achievements.

 

One of Mamkhize’s main grievances is the appointment of administrators who lack football knowledge.

She criticized the decision to have administrators, appointed under the tax investigation, manage Royal AM without understanding the sport’s unique dynamics.

 

Mamkhize argued that just as construction disputes require experts in construction, football-related issues should be handled by those knowledgeable about the sport.

She believes the lack of football expertise among the administrators has reduced the club’s value to little more than frozen assets.

 

“The only value in football is the status—the right to play. When you don’t allow the team to play, it’s as good as nothing,” she said.

This highlights how the preservation order and administrative decisions have not only impacted Royal AM’s finances but also its ability to participate in competitions, damaging the club’s reputation and future prospects.

 

Mamkhize was quick to clarify that Royal AM itself does not owe money to the Metro or other entities directly, countering some public misconceptions.

She emphasized that the financial issues stem from the trust’s obligations, separate from the club’s operational finances.

 

Despite this, public perception has been difficult to manage.

Mamkhize acknowledged the criticism but shared that she does not allow negativity to derail her focus or change her character.

Her resilience shines through as she continues to fight for her club and vision.

 

This interview marked Mamkhize’s first public response to the ongoing saga, and her emotional tone revealed the immense pressure she has endured.

At times breaking down, she showed the human side behind the headlines and legal battles.

The emotional toll of seeing her club embroiled in controversy and the uncertainty of the investigation’s outcome has been heavy.

Yet, Mamkhize remains hopeful, believing there is light after the tunnel and that justice and clarity will eventually prevail.

 

Despite the setbacks, Mamkhize celebrated a recent positive development: the establishment of a new team, the Banana Highlanders AM Football Club.

She congratulated those involved and expressed optimism about the future.

 

This new venture represents a fresh start and a chance to rebuild her legacy within South African football.

It underscores her continued passion for the sport and commitment to nurturing talent despite the challenges she currently faces.

 

Mamkhize’s story reflects broader challenges in South African football, where many clubs face financial difficulties, governance issues, and regulatory hurdles.

Her experience sheds light on systemic problems affecting the league and the need for specialized expertise in football administration.

The preservation order and investigation highlight concerns about financial transparency and management practices.

Mamkhize’s call for administrators with football knowledge points to a gap in the current system that needs addressing to protect clubs and their stakeholders.

 

Throughout the interview, Mamkhize encouraged public engagement and support.

She thanked fans and followers for their continued interest and urged them to stay informed and involved.

 

Her openness invites empathy and understanding, reminding the public that behind every club and owner are real people facing real struggles.

 

Mamkhize’s emotional interview offers a rare glimpse into the personal and professional struggles behind Royal AM’s ongoing investigation.

Her candid reflections reveal a woman determined to protect her assets, her club, and her legacy despite overwhelming obstacles.

 

The preservation order and financial investigation have created a challenging environment, but Mamkhize’s resilience and hope for the future shine through.

As she embarks on new projects and navigates the complexities of football administration, her story remains a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity.

 

For South African football fans and observers, Mamkhize’s journey is a powerful reminder of the human side of sport — where passion, ambition, and struggle intersect, shaping the game both on and off the field.

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