‘Big Brother’ Safpu needs to help players and staff in Royal AM saga

Herman Gibbs

Royal AM’s players need the unwavering support of the South African Football Players Union (Safpu) more than ever, since Shauwn Mkhize’s club has been a dumpster fire of problems over the past two months.

Safpu first entered the fray after Chippa United announced that their Premiership match against Royal AM had been postponed, following a directive from the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The PSL did not give reasons.

This is when the Royal AM saga came out into the public domain, as Safpu had approached Royal AM about unpaid salary issues after players did receive their December wages.

Safpu later said players were told the club may be unable to pay December salaries. Royal AM were roundly condemned for the shabby treatment of their players, the club’s biggest asset.

Through all this uncertainty about Royal AM’s future, players did not train regularly, and the club weren’t functioning normally because the PSL suspended all their matches.

During this time, Safpu said it regularly engaged with Royal AM and kept players abreast of the latest developments.

In mid-January, there was a moment when it seemed the chaotic saga would make a turn for the better, but it was all just smoke and mirrors by Royal AM, who could not offer the PSL the necessary guarantees in a ‘Letter of Comfort’.

From that point onwards, all Royal AM’s games were postponed, including their Nedbank Cup fixture against Milford FC. By this time, there were reports that some players had received wages, while others did not.

Nevertheless, it was a horrendous period for Royal AM coach John Maduka and his players, many of whom have families to support. In addition, their futures remain uncertain, and no assurances are forthcoming.

Now is the time for Safpu to remain close to all the parties in this saga; Royal AM, SARS (South African Revenue Service), the government-appointed curator and the PSL.

Let players know what the latest developments are and how it affects them. Safpu also must explain to the players the consequences of whatever happens. For example, if the club is auctioned and sold, the players need to be told how it impacts them. What are their rights? Do they become the property of the new owners?

Some players will soon be out of contract before this mess is resolved. They can do with much-needed advice instead of kicking their heels on the sidelines, waiting to hear the outcome.

Safpu will do well to meet with the players and inform them of the latest developments, which at this stage points to the club being auctioned off soon.

The KwaZulu-Natal High Court has given the SARS-appointed curator, Willem Venter, the authority to market and offer for sale the club’s rights, title and interests.