This is how much Royal AM Players were earning as monthly salaries: Mamkhize Exposes the exact figures for various players

Shauwn "Mamkhize" Mkhize, the flamboyant president and businesswoman behind Royal AM, has made a bold move in her fight against the Premier Soccer League's (PSL) decision to expel her club. In an attempt to refute claims of financial instability, Mkhize has publicly revealed the salaries of her team's players.

Mkhize has launched an urgent application in the Johannesburg High Court, seeking a court order to declare the PSL's decision to expel Royal AM from the lucrative league as unlawful and to have it set aside.

A key reason cited by the PSL for Royal AM's expulsion was the club's alleged failure to honour its scheduled fixtures. The league insinuated that this failure was a direct result of self-inflicted financial difficulties within the club.

Mkhize has vehemently denied these claims. She argues that despite the PSL's suspension of the R2.3 million grant allocated to the team – an amount she says was sufficient to cover player salaries and other operational expenses – she was still capable of meeting the club's financial obligations.

As proof of her financial capacity, Mkhize has submitted evidence to the court demonstrating salary payments made directly into the players' bank accounts, even after the South African Revenue Service (Sars) had attached the club.

These proof of payment documents, each clearly marked with "salary" as the transaction reference, provide a detailed breakdown of player earnings within Royal AM.

According to the submitted documentation, veteran defender Thabo Matlaba was the highest-paid player in the squad, receiving a net take-home pay of R121,000 per month. In stark contrast, goalkeeper Aphile Ngobese was the lowest-paid player, with a comparatively meagre net pay of R7,000.

Midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela was the second-highest earner, taking home a net pay of R93,500, followed by fellow midfielder Shadrack Kobedi, who received a take-home pay of R80,000 per month.

Another midfielder, Jabulani Ncobeni, was the fourth-highest paid player, earning a net pay of over R68,000. He was followed by left winger Khetukuthula Ndlovu, with a net pay exceeding R59,900. Midfielder Levy Mashiane and centre-back Lesego Manganyi earned R55,000 and R50,000 respectively.

Several players earned below R50,000 per month. Striker Matebang Sera received a take-home pay of R48,400, while goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto took home R47,852.

Striker Mfundo Langa Thikazi, along with midfielders Mzandile Dlamini and Luyanda Mdunge, each earned R40,000. Centre back Mlungisi Sikhakakhane took home R30,000, midfielder Khulekhani Shezi received over R28,500, and centre back Ayanda Jiyane earned over R21,000.

The documents also revealed that a number of players were earning significantly less than their teammates. In addition to Aphile Ngobese, Philani Khumalo (R16,000), attacking midfielder Xolani Phewa (R16,000), and defender Sphelele Majola (R9,500) were among the lowest-paid players.

Other players earning relatively modest salaries included attacking midfielder Xolani Vezi (over R12,500), midfielder Philani Sithebe (over R10,300), Sbanga Zulu (over R6,900), and midfielder Smiso Gumede (R4,950). All these payments were reportedly made on February 14th of this year.

Mkhize has requested that the court hear the case urgently, on May 20th, shortly before the end of the league season.

The financial troubles at Royal AM stem from a substantial tax bill of over R200 million owed to Sars. As a result of Mkhize's failure to settle this debt, Sars attached the club and appointed Jaco Venter as curator.

Mkhize has argued that Venter's appointment has destabilised the day-to-day operations of the team, further hindering its ability to function effectively.

Mkhize's decision to publicise player salaries is a high-stakes gamble. While it aims to demonstrate the club's ability to pay its players, it also opens Royal AM to scrutiny regarding wage disparities and the overall financial management of the club.

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