Royal AM coach John Maduka cut a huge smile when asked why the club brought in new players as it stands as they are banned by FIFA for signing new players for two transfer windows.
The KwaZulu-Natal club cannot sign and register players to the league because of the FIFA ban their appeal via the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) was thrown out having submitted heads of arguments to have it overturned.
But this website was informed that club president Shauwn MaMkhize, to have this ban overturned, is prepared to pay Samir Nurkovic the sum of R12 million after they were found guilty of owing him after terminating his contract before last season started due to having failed to “appear in the pre-season”.
But Royal AM, in the midst of all that, has welcomed goalkeeper King Ndlovu into their camp, after he was released by Maritzburg United, who were relegated last season.
Another player who is being assessed by Royal AM is Nkanyiso Zungu, who this website confirmed a week ago and turned heads with a brilliant display against his former club AmaZulu in the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final in Ulundi on Saturday.
Sibusiso Sibeko is another who has made his way into the club and this publication has been informed that he has been “signed” by Royal AM, after leaving relegated side Marumo Gallants.
Maduka, as they won the pre-season tournament on Saturday, was asked why the club brought in these players as they cannot do that since they have the FIFA ban and what is the thinking behind that.
“Why do you think?” Maduka asked back to iDiski Times. “Thank you, thank you,” before walking away smiling.
But before that, Maduka said: “King Ndlovu hasn’t been signed yet and whoever you saw (is being assessed), because remember we can’t sign new players for now. Until that time the club will make an announcement to unveil the players, if things go according to the plans.”
This publication was informed that there is plenty happening behind the scenes at Royal AM with a new CEO set to be announced at a press briefing on Friday.
This website was also informed that there is a marketing team that has been running things within the club for some time to advise MaMkhize, who has found herself on the wrong side of football laws either in the PSL or FIFA.
The club is also going to announce a commercial manager, a partnership with the international club and new players as well.
Harry Gwala Stadium, as it will become their home ground next season, this website saw videos from a club official and it is now painted with Royal AM colours after those of Maritzburg United were removed completely off the walls.
This after Maritzburg was relegated to the Motsepe Foundation last season, thus losing the Msunduzi sponsorship at the same time due to their demise, which went to MaMkhize.
When Maduka was asked if what is happening does excite him, he said: “It is always good when the new staff come in.
“Every season we all try, the Chairlady and the management, to take the team to another level – with new staff that can motivate and take the team to another level.”
