In the ever-dramatic world of South African football, few stories have captured public attention like the ongoing legal saga surrounding Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize and her football club, Royal AM. As of July 2025, MaMkhize faces a significant setback after the Pretoria High Court dismissed her club’s bid to overturn its expulsion from the Premier Soccer League (PSL), marking a critical moment in a long and arduous battle for the club’s top-flight status.
The Crux of the Legal Dispute
The trouble began when the PSL board of governors expelled Royal AM from the league, alleging that the club had misled the league during its membership renewal application submitted on July 1, 2024. The league claimed Royal AM falsely stated that Shauwn Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane were directors, while in reality, Shamish Sadab was the sole director at that time. MaMkhize denied any misrepresentation, explaining that Sadab’s directorship was only formalized on July 26, 2024, after the renewal application was submitted. She argued that the delay in the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) records prevented the club from updating the league at the time.
Court Battles and Setbacks
Despite MaMkhize’s urgent application to the Johannesburg High Court seeking to set aside the PSL’s decision, the Pretoria High Court ultimately dismissed Royal AM’s case with costs on July 8, 2025. Judge Boitsheko Seleka’s ruling effectively ended the club’s efforts to regain its PSL status through the courts. This judgment followed months of legal wrangling, including attempts to challenge Sekhukhune United’s promotion and disputes over club ownership and directorship changes.
The court’s judgment also criticized MaMkhize for allegedly misleading the court regarding the club’s financial obligations and payments, further complicating Royal AM’s position.
Financial Controversies
Adding fuel to the fire, Royal AM’s financial dealings have also come under scrutiny. The Pietermaritzburg High Court has been tasked with ruling on the legality of a controversial R27 million sponsorship deal awarded by the financially strained Msunduzi Municipality to Royal AM. Critics, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), have questioned whether the municipality’s expenditure on the sponsorship was lawful and justifiable given its service delivery challenges and budget constraints.
The Impact on MaMkhize and Royal AM
For Shauwn Mkhize, a larger-than-life figure known for her flamboyance
and business acumen, these legal defeats represent a major blow to her ambitions in South African football. Her ownership of Royal AM, a club named after her son, Andile Mpisane, has been marked by controversy and persistent clashes with the PSL. The recent court ruling may force MaMkhize to reconsider her strategies or face the harsh reality of losing her club’s place in the country’s premier football competition.
Looking Ahead
While the courts have spoken, the saga of MaMkhize and Royal AM is far from over. The drama underscores the complex intersection of sport, business, and politics in South Africa’s football landscape. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see if MaMkhize can navigate these turbulent waters or if Royal AM’s future in the PSL is permanently compromised.
