MaMkhize Breaks Silence on Owing Salaries to Royal AM Players: “I Will Never Abandon My Boys”
South African businesswoman and reality TV star Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize has finally addressed the growing controversy surrounding Royal AM and the club’s alleged failure to pay player salaries — an issue that has dominated sports headlines in recent weeks and left fans questioning the financial stability of the once-flamboyant football club owner.
In a heartfelt and somewhat emotional statement released through her official Instagram and later echoed during a live media interview, MaMkhize acknowledged the challenges facing Royal AM, but firmly denied any allegations that she had abandoned the players or failed in her responsibilities as the club’s president.
“Yes, we are going through some difficult times as a club. Yes, salaries have been delayed. But let me make one thing clear: I will never walk away from my boys,” she said.
MaMkhize went on to say that the delays in payments were not due to negligence, but rather part of a broader financial restructuring process within the club.
She cited a combination of reduced sponsorship deals, ongoing legal matters, and unexpected financial obligations as the primary causes of the delay.
“We are dealing with a lot behind the scenes. People forget that running a football club in South Africa isn’t easy, especially without consistent corporate backing. But that doesn’t mean we’re folding, and it certainly doesn’t mean our players will be left in the dark.”
The issue came to light when several Royal AM players allegedly contacted the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU), claiming they had gone unpaid for more than two months.
Some reports suggested that players were struggling to cover their basic expenses, including rent and transportation, with a few even said to be seeking help from friends and family to make ends meet.
While MaMkhize admitted that certain salary payments had been delayed, she insisted that the situation was not as dire as it has been portrayed in the media.
She emphasized that communication with the players was ongoing, and that efforts were being made to ensure all outstanding payments would be settled.
“I’ve spoken to my team. I’ve spoken to the players. Everyone knows the situation. We are a family, and like any family, we go through tough times — but we come out stronger.”
Public Backlash and Support
As news of the unpaid salaries spread, social media exploded with mixed reactions.
Some fans criticized MaMkhize for continuing to flaunt her glamorous lifestyle on social media — attending events in designer clothes, hosting parties, and posting luxury getaways — while her players allegedly struggled behind closed doors.
One Twitter user wrote:
“It’s not adding up. One day she’s in Dubai, the next day her players can’t even afford to buy groceries?”
Another added:
“This is embarrassing. Royal AM was supposed to be different. Now it’s turning into another PSL financial crisis club.”
But MaMkhize also received strong support from loyal fans and celebrities who praised her for facing the criticism head-on instead of hiding or shifting blame.
Media personality and close friend Somizi Mhlongo posted on Instagram:
“MaMkhize is one of the most generous people I know. Don’t be quick to judge what you don’t understand. She’ll fix it. She always does.”
MaMkhize made headlines in 2021 when she bought Bloemfontein Celtic’s PSL status and rebranded the club as Royal AM, ushering in a new era of style and swagger in South African football.
From cash giveaways on the pitch to players, to flashy team entrances and private jets, Royal AM quickly became the most talked-about club in the league.
But critics warned that such a fast rise — built on showmanship — might not be sustainable without strong long-term financial planning and reliable sponsorship.
Now, with the club facing financial strain and internal challenges, questions are being asked about whether MaMkhize’s business model is viable in the long run.
Despite the controversy, MaMkhize insists that Royal AM is not for sale, not folding, and not giving up.
She assured fans that steps are being taken to stabilize the club financially and that a new sponsor partnership may soon be announced, which would help resolve many of the current financial headaches.
“I’ve invested too much into this club — emotionally and financially — to let it fall apart,” she said. “We’re down, but we’re not out. The season is not over, and neither is our fight.”
For now, the spotlight remains on Royal AM and MaMkhize.
Whether she can turn the club’s financial situation around and restore public trust remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: she’s not backing down without a fight.
And in true MaMkhize fashion, she ended her statement with flair:
“Don’t count me out. You’ll see — I always rise.”
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