sportskeeda
Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla of the Msunduzi Municipality is dedicated to securing a Premier Soccer League (PSL) football club for Harry Gwala Stadium for the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the venue.
The municipality is currently seeking a PSL tenant after the termination of Royal AM’s PSL membership.
This season, Royal AM utilized the stadium under a three-year contract that began at the start of last season.
However, the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal criticized this setup, suggesting that the funds should have been directed towards improving road infrastructure and essential services for Pietermaritzburg.
The agreement with Royal AM came to an unexpected conclusion when the South African Revenue Service (SARS) intervened to seize the club over alleged tax debts owed by owner Shauwn Mkhize. SARS appointed Jaco Venter as curator, effectively preventing Royal AM from hosting any matches until Mkhize settled her financial obligations.
No suitable buyers emerged to assist SARS in recouping the owed funds, leading to the PSL’s decision to terminate Royal AM’s membership last week.
As a result, the PSL will continue the current season with 15 teams. Royal AM’s last match at Harry Gwala Stadium took place on December 29, where they faced a loss against TS Galaxy.
The stadium is now left with the potential of being vacant of a top-tier club in 2025, following the departure of Maritzburg United. Nonetheless, the municipality has committed to exploring various avenues to attract a new tenant.
“We will promptly submit a report to the council, which will determine the best course of action,” Mayor Thebolla conveyed to Sportswire. “We have teams competing in the ABC Motsepe League here. It’s unfortunate that Maritzburg United has departed, and we are committed to evaluating all feasible solutions. We cannot let this facility become a white elephant.”
When the Msunduzi Municipality partnered with Royal AM in 2023, they anticipated annual economic benefits of R64 million from boosted tourism due to the club’s home matches.
“This partnership was intended to invigorate the city’s economy,” Mayor Thebolla emphasized. “We stressed that it was an economic decision, not merely a political one, acknowledging the considerable local economic advantages of hosting a PSL team. We will thoroughly investigate all potential opportunities.”
Despite this, Farouk Kadodia, chairman of Durban City (formerly Maritzburg United), has declared his unwillingness to return to Harry Gwala Stadium. Durban City currently leads the Motsepe Foundation Championship, with a promising chance of promotion to the PSL.
When questioned about the possibility of reconciling with Kadodia to facilitate the club’s return to Pietermaritzburg, Mayor Thebolla replied, “The situation unfortunately became personal, portrayed as a conflict with the mayor rather than a matter for the council. Ultimately, the council will make the decision. If reconciliation is possible, we will explore it.”
